Giving: Your Investment for Eternity

Scripture: Matthew 6:20, NIV & Matthew 6:33, NIV

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:20, NIV)

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33, NIV)

The world gets it backwards. It says to earn as much as you can, save as much as you can, and then sit on your can. Spend it on yourself and have a good time while you can.

Jesus Christ came to reveal the opposite:

“…But it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” (2 Timothy 1:10, NIV)

He has revealed to us true life in addition to the reality of eternity or immortality.

He tells us to prepare for eternity.

Eternity is the real world and the one lasting forever! We can actually store up treasures for ourselves in heaven if we follow what he says. We first need to seek his kingdom and his righteousness. Then all of these other things will be supplied to us subject to his sovereign will.

The believer, instead of heeding the saying above about being concerned only about life down here, should strive to make as much as you can, save as much as you can, and then give away as much as you can. John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church, made a statement very similar to this.

You and I need to ask ourselves the question: “What am I seeking first in this life?”

If we would only do what God has instructed us to do, we just might find more of life comes into proper balance with God being the center of our lives.

Giving is investing in the life to come.

We need to remember one of Paul’s main principles, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV)

The eternal returns are literally beyond human comprehension. All of us would do well to focus more on the eternal aspects of life. This world in its present form is passing away.

Today, ask yourself:

Am I following the instructions of Jesus Christ in storing up treasures in heaven for myself?