What steps can you take to "have treasure in heaven"? Setting the Scene “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that do not grow old, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys” (Luke 12:33). Jesus’ repeated call to “have treasure in heaven” (Matthew 19:21; Luke 18:22) shows that eternal reward is not automatic; it is cultivated. Scripture lays out clear, practical steps. Step 1: Place Your Faith in Christ Alone • “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (John 3:36). • Heavenly treasure begins with a living relationship with Jesus; without Him, no other step matters. Step 2: Detach Your Heart from Earthly Riches • “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). • Practical actions: – Regularly evaluate spending habits. – Set giving goals that exceed mere leftovers. – Celebrate simplicity; resist status-driven purchases. Step 3: Practice Generous, Sacrificial Giving • “Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves a treasure as a good foundation for the future” (1 Timothy 6:18-19). • Ways to give: – Support local church ministries. – Invest in missions and evangelism. – Aid the poor, widows, and orphans (James 1:27). • Give cheerfully, trusting God’s provision (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Step 4: Serve Christ Faithfully and Quietly • “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward” (Colossians 3:23-24). • Hidden acts of service—teaching children, visiting the sick, praying for others—are all noticed by the Father (Matthew 6:3-4). Step 5: Endure Trials with Eternal Perspective • “Great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12). • Respond to persecution or hardship with steadfast faith. Every test endured adds to eternal riches (2 Corinthians 4:17). Step 6: Maintain a Kingdom-First Lifestyle • “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). • Daily priorities: – Begin each day in Scripture and prayer. – Align career and family decisions with biblical values. – View time, talents, and treasures as stewardship trusts. Step 7: Live Expectantly, Looking Forward • “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). • Continually remind yourself that this world is temporary (Hebrews 13:14). • Encouragement: anticipating Christ’s “Well done” fuels perseverance (Matthew 25:21). Putting It All Together Treasure in heaven is secured by faith in Christ, demonstrated through generous giving, faithful service, endurance in trials, and a Kingdom-first mindset. Each deliberate, Spirit-empowered step transfers value from the passing now to the everlasting then—where moth and rust can never touch it. |
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