by Cindy Phillips
As society in general has been moving closer and closer to digital money, most employers require you have your pay directly deposited into your bank. Paychecks are becoming the exception rather than the norm. As believers in Jesus, we also have a Heavenly “Bank account”. How do we add to it?
Matthew 6 is in the middle of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. He starts the chapter speaking about charitable deeds and how, if we want them to “count for eternity”, we should do them with the right heart, not in a showman fashion for all to see. He then goes on to apply that principle to prayer. Our prayers should be done with a heart for God, privately, not in a pretentious way for all to see. The next subject He presents is forgiveness, then fasting. Verses 19 – 21 deals with treasure. This sermon all flows together. Jesus was not making independent points. His message is about our Heavenly account. He is showing us charitable deeds, prayer, forgiveness and fasting, done with the right heart, are actually treasures.
“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.”
He is teaching how we can store up for ourselves Heavenly treasures that remain. Our earthy accounts will not follow us into the next age.
Jesus spoke quite a bit about money and treasure. We are all set up on “Direct Deposit” when it comes to our Heavenly account. As you go about your day today, focus on partnering with God as you serve Him and serve others. The fruit you bear will be deposited into your Heavenly account; fruit that remains.