“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 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 6:19-20
What’s the lesson in these verses: build up ‘treasure’ for the Lord because He will reward us both in this life and the next. How do we do that? You know the answer.
Wanna build up treasure in heaven? Do what Jesus did. Treat people honestly, kindly, fairly. Yes, you may occasionally turn over tables, but we’ll talk about that later. For this, start with family, becoming the patient listener instead of the constant irritant. Help neighbors, look in on the elderly and folks who need assistance. Offer up a meal; mow a lawn; drop by for a visit; help someone move or clean their garage or clear out the brush or whatever needs to be done. Do it with the heart of a friend and the selflessness of expecting nothing in return.
The pile of treasure starts to grow.
Next, spend some time reaching out to the homeless. Volunteer at a shelter; try Metro Relief; go buy a meal for the guy panhandling on the corner. Spend a day with Habitat for Humanity. Volunteer for a mission trip; volunteer to help at a local food pantry, because they’re all busy and in great need these days. Volunteer at the nearest USO. After you’ve started helping others in small ways, expand your horizons and look for how to help in bigger ways. You will find a way because God will lead you. As the saying goes, be the hands and feet of Jesus and do His work even if you never say His name. Do it with a smile.
Your treasure is starting to look like Harry Potter’s Gringotts vault, except that this treasure isn’t cheap gold. This treasure, your real wealth, is the love the Father will shower on you. He will lavish on your life in ways you can’t even imagine right now.
But, know this: this is more than you may be ready for. When God lavishes on you, He might also give you much more than you expected. Not just favor, but also responsibility. And, He might scour out the dank areas of your heart, shining His cleansing light on them. It may overwhelm you. It may hurt but it’ll also heal…and it’ll be more than you can handle, so much more that you’ll feel compelled to share it, to tell others, to share why you want to help.
And, in doing so, before long, you’ll find He has made wealthy in the ways that really matter.
For more reading: Proverbs 23:4, Luke 12:16-21 & 33, Luke 16:9, Luke 18:22, 1 Timothy 6:19, Hebrews 13:5, James 5:2-3, Matthew 6:21
Father, show me ways I can help others today so that I might do things pleasing to You.
Practical Proverbs 