When to Store Up Treasure—and What Kind

“They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (1 Tim. 6:18-19)

Imagine two people planting for the future. One spends all spring polishing his gardening tools but never plants a single seed. The other quietly plants, waters, and tends the garden day after day. Months later, the first has shiny tools but an empty harvest. The second enjoys an abundant crop because he invested in what would last.

Jesus teaches that life works the same way. We can spend our lives accumulating temporary possessions, or we can invest in eternal treasure. The Apostle Paul gives us four practical ways to build a foundation that will last forever.

1. Do good

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Gal. 6:9 ESV)

2. Be rich in good works

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16 ESV)

3. Be generous

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Cor. 9:6 ESV)

4. Be ready to share

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Heb. 13:16 ESV)

The passage concludes with the reason we should continually practice these four habits: ”…so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” True life is not found in accumulating possessions but in faithfully investing in God’s kingdom and blessing others.

Therefore

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:19-21 ESV)

Ask yourself today

“Am I investing more in what is temporary or in what is eternal?” Look for one opportunity to do good, serve someone, give generously, or share what God has entrusted to you. Every act of love done for Christ is an investment in heavenly treasure that will never fade.

Quote

“The person who thinks the money he makes is meant mainly to increase his comforts on earth is a fool, Jesus says. Wise people know that all their money belongs to God and should be used to show that God, and not money, is their treasure, their comfort, their joy, and their security.” — John Piper