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

What does Matthew 6:20 mean? What are we supposed to glean from this passage? I have two thoughts that convict me with this verse. My first impression of this passage is that it refers to our collection of “stuff”.  People tend to look to worldly possessions rather than putting a deposit on our heavenly home.  I have been guilty of this more than once in my life. As a Western society, we tend to collect things. We buy in bulk to stock our favorite items, we shop for the best deal to collect more toys, we buy sale items just because they are a good deal.  I know I have partaken of the latter; buying the after-holiday sale items just because they are 75% off the regular price.  I bet there are others that can relate to this.  There is some sort of dopamine rush that ensues after getting a good deal. Eventually, however, all of our stuff is discarded because we render it no longer useful.

I’ve seen piles of discarded items outside of the local thrift store; items that used to be considered a treasure but are now dropped off as a donation because they no longer serve a purpose. Donating is way better than trashing our unwanted items. I’ve seen countless items left next to trash cans that look like they are still useful. I don’t say this from a self-righteous perspective, because I’m sure I’ve done the same.  It is so easy to buy on impulse and toss aside just as quickly.

We were given authority and dominion over this earth, but I doubt most people think of themselves as stewards of our great gift. There is pollution in the air and on the ground. People toss away beverage cans, wrappers, and cigarette butts without a second thought.  People toss away items that are thrown into a landfill, when they could have been recycled or reused. I wonder how many of us think about our responsibility in taking care of the earth; in the products we use, the trash we create, the habitats we destroy.  I know I sound like an activist, but I assure you I am not. When I get a glimpse of the morning sunrise, or evening sunset, something happens inside of me. When I see a deer peeking out from the woods to eat the wildflowers, or a bird catching insects in the air, I am reminded of the great gift our creator gave to us.  I hate to think that I am a part of destabilizing the harmony of nature.

The second thought that comes to mind with Matthew 6:20, is service. We are called to love and serve others, thereby, storing up treasures in heaven. Psalms 62:12 tells us “And with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and “you reward everyone according to what they have done.” This doesn’t mean that good works get us into heaven as some religions teach.  Rather, we are rewarded for the good we do on earth; the service we show our fellow-kind.  Jesus is the way to heaven; serving others is a result of the gratitude we have from the gift of salvation. Service is meant to demonstrate the light we have inside and invite others to accept that same light. Service helps us have a conversation about the reason for our hope. I must admit that this is not one of my strengths. I am a bit selfish by nature and tend to guard “my time”.  It is prideful to think of the minutes in my day as mine. They are a gift to me, and I should be willing to share those minutes to help others in need.  This is where I feel most convicted, as I alluded to in the opening of the text. I know I need to search for serving opportunities, but I tend to shy away. I know I need to share the gospel with others, but I sometimes clam up. We are all a work in progress, and this is why we need a savior.  The good news is that I have an advocate who helps me with my struggles and so do you. So, keep trying, keep on searching for opportunities to serve others, or to help do your part to take care of our earth. Be bold and courageous.