HOME IS WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS

By Danelle Carvell

"'...WHEREVER YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART WILL ALSO BE."
                                                                                                                                   Matthew 6:19-21

Why do people spend a lifetime hoarding earthly treasure when they know that their cars, houses, and savings are only temporary?  Jesus discouraged us from becoming captives of this world and its fleeting pleasures because he knew the nature of Heaven and the rewards that await us there.  Yet how many of us are storing up eternal treasures?  Aren't we more concerned with earthly treasures?

"Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.  Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy and thieves do not break in and steal.  Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."  Matthew 6:19-21


Many Christians don't even realize that they will be judged for their works here on earth and they will be rewarded for every word they speak and every deed they do here on earth.  This isn't judgment for our sin.  Christ paid the price for that.  We will be judged on our conduct as Christians and judged for what we accomplished for God's kingdom.  If our conduct is pleasing to God, we will receive eternal rewards.  In other words, we can store up treasure in Heaven by the things we say and do here today on earth. 

"For we must all stand before Christ to be judged.  We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body." - 2 Corinthians 5:10


Do you believe that everyone will have equal standing in Heaven?  Jesus answers that question twice in the book of Matthew:

1) "So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the kingdom of Heaven.  But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of Heaven."  Matthew 5:19

2) "But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then."  Matthew 19:30


Heaven is a place of justice.  How can some be "greatest" while others are "least" if everyone has the same status in Heaven?  The truth is, your conduct right now is either earning you great status and rewards in Heaven or it's earning you no eternal rewards.


Did you know that there is a reward given to those who eagerly await the promised return of Jesus Christ?  The crown of righteousness is given to those who live every day with the constant expectation that Christ could return at any moment.  " And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return.  And the prize is not just for me, but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing."  2 Timothy 4:8

Do you share the gospel of Christ with others whenever you have the opportunity?  If so, you will receive the crown of rejoicing when you get to Heaven.  If others have become believers in the Lord Jesus Christ because of your efforts, this crown will be awarded to you.


Have you been placed in a position of authority and responsibility?  Do others look to you for guidance and Are you a good example to them?  If you are focused on serving God, not yourself and if your motives and your heart are pure, you will receive a crown of glory and honor.  Leading people by your own good example is something God values highly and a special crown is reserved for those who do so.

Do you want the crown of victory?  Then train yourself to overcome the desires of the flesh.  Break the power of the temptations of this world.  

And if you endure persecution, suffering, or martyrdom for Jesus Christ, and if the world mocks and ridicules you, then you will receive the crown of life.  This crown is reserved for those who love Jesus more than their own lives.  They are willing to look foolish to the world in order to follow Him. 

Home is where your treasure is.  Are you storing up earthly treasures or heavenly treasures?  Are you making your home here on a temporary earth or are you investing in your eternal home and your eternal rewards?