Have you ever heard of Randy Alcorn’s Treasure Principle? “You can’t take it with you…but you can send it on ahead.” Look at Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV). “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. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Your heart will follow what you treasure most, even if it’s just earthly junk! And while money seems like something you can’t live without, you have to remember that God is your provider and that loving money itself leads to sin. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:10, NIV). Follow after God first—wealth is always lost.
It’s easy to store up earthly treasures with a sense of survival. And while there’s nothing wrong with being responsible and prepared, you can take things too far. Your stuff won’t be usable when you die or if Jesus comes back. The more time and energy you put into serving God, using your spiritual gifts, and sharing His love with others, the more you’re storing up treasure in heaven. You’re investing in your eternal future and the eternal future of those around you.
If you live for God’s glory, it’s always for your good and always does you good. That shouldn’t be your motivation for living for God’s glory, but what a blessing it is to have God by your side! If you’re still struggling with earthy treasure vs. heavenly treasure, ask God to work on your heart. Take the focus off your needs and wants, and focus on how you can most effectively send treasure ahead to heaven!