"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 (NIV)
This verse is not about treasures found somewhere in heaven but instead about gaining credit (favor) in God's eyes( Luke12:33-34; Matthew 25: 36,40, NIV). Heavenly riches are the most valuable because they don't fade over time. Once you have found favor with God, your blessings can extend to a thousand generations (Exodus 20:6, NIV), and no one can take them away. No matter how malevolent the intentions of others may be toward you, God knows their hearts and will bless you.
Therefore, it is essential not only to amass earthly riches (Luke 12:21, NIV), following sound principles of financial stewardship, but also to transform them into heavenly treasures. The favor of God will reach you where earthly wealth cannot, especially when you need it the most.
So, how can we convert our earthly riches into heavenly treasures? Jesus advised the young rich man, "Sell what you have and give to the poor…" (Luke 18:22; Matthew 19:21, NIV). This means we should be kind to the poor, merciful to people in need, and compassionate to the imprisoned.
Almsgiving isn't limited to church donations; people who need help aren't just found on the streets or in orphanages. This call to generosity echoes our devotional on helping needy people. Extend your kindness beyond these visible spaces. Help those in need at your workplace, within your family, or in your community. God values assistance provided in private settings as much as in institutionalized settings, such as churches or charities (Luke 3:10-14, NIV).
Helping others is a way of converting your earthly riches into heavenly ones (Proverbs 19:17, NIV); you are essentially depositing treasures in the bank of heaven. While humans typically save money for emergencies like health issues or accidents, you should also be storing heavenly riches for uncertain times. There may come situations where earthly wealth cannot help you at all, and then God's mercy will intervene. Remember the story of Dorcas, who was resurrected because she had accumulated heavenly riches (Acts 9:36-40, NIV). As it is written, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Matthew 5:7; Psalms 18:25, NIV).
You don't need to be wealthy to be helpful; show compassion, forgiveness, and love within your means (Mark 12:43-44, NIV). True contentment in giving is explored further in finding happiness in God. Avoid saying, "I will pray for you," when you have resources to assist, as many pastors do today (James 2:15-16, NIV)—that's a form of selfishness.
If you overlook those experiencing poverty and only favor those who you believe might help you in return (James 2:3, NIV), then don't expect help from a bank in which you have made no deposits.
Psalm: God’s Favour Over Gold
By Your grace, I have kept Your love within my heart. You have taught me how to be merciful to those in need and to forgive those who offend me.
Love, mercy, and forgiveness are what You desire, but who can show mercy to the undeserving? How can I forgive people with hearts full of bitter intentions? Yet Your Spirit has taught me only love, so my dictionary contains no words like "undeserving"—I love because You love me.
I have been merciful to people who daily plot my downfall. I seek peace when all they exhale is wickedness. They wear smiles while harboring evil schemes within. Early in the morning, they are already planning their next strategy, but it won't succeed in Jesus' name.
I am favored. My God is awesome.
Do you see what is happening in this place? They have turned my workplace into their breeding ground, but it won't work in Jesus' name.
Do you see these gossippers? The Lord of Heaven will scatter them!
Oh, my soul, do you see this opportunity that just passed you by? The Lord will provide a better one.
Do you see this broken marriage? It is not too late. Look at their evil plots; the Lord will confound them, and they will flee in seven directions. I have blessings that will last a thousand years—they should know it by now.
Let the King of Justice rule. I believe in You, oh God.
The Lord will move these mountains. My God lives; the God of Jacob reigns. Amen.
Read more about biblical financial principles and explore what prosperity theology gets wrong.