Thinking about “building eternal wealth” makes us look at treasure differently. Unlike things we can lose, “heavenly treasures” last forever. With people spending six hours daily on their phones, it’s time to focus on spiritual growth1.
Jesus teaches us to value “treasures in heaven” more than earthly ones2. Earthly treasures, like money and cars, take up our time. But heavenly treasures grow from acts like giving, forgiving, and praying in secret2.
Investing in eternal wealth means loving Jesus more than material things. What we value shows what’s in our heart. The greatest reward for believers is seeing God, a promise that’s more valuable than anything else2.
Key Takeaways
- Earthly treasures include tangible items like cash and cars, as well as intangible assets like online banking and investments2.
- Jesus’ teachings encourage storing up “heavenly treasures” through spiritual practices like giving, forgiving, and serving2.
- Building “eternal wealth” involves a shift from material consumption to spiritual investing2.
- Americans spend a significant amount of time on their mobile devices, highlighting the need to reprioritize for spiritual growth1.
- The ultimate reward for believers is the prospect of seeing God face-to-face2.
Understanding Treasures in Heaven
In Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus talks about not focusing on earthly treasures. He says these can decay or get stolen. Instead, He suggests focusing on heavenly riches that last forever and are protected by God. This shows a key idea in biblical finance: worldly things are short-lived, but spiritual investments are forever.
What Are Earthly Treasures?
Earthly treasures are things like money, jewelry, and houses. They might give us temporary happiness and status. But, they can be lost due to market changes, theft, or just wear and tear. The Bible tells a story of a rich young man who was told by Jesus to give his wealth to the poor to gain heavenly treasure (Matthew 19:16–30)3.
This story shows how fleeting earthly riches are compared to the lasting value of spiritual wealth.
Contrast Between Earthly and Heavenly Treasures
Heavenly treasures are things like virtues, kindness, and a close relationship with God. Investing in these means choosing actions that follow God’s will, leading to eternal rewards. Even small acts of kindness are noticed by God (Matthew 10:42)3.
Scriptures from verses 19 to 24 show the difference between earthly and heavenly treasures. They highlight not just their value but also their security4.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes a big point. He shows that earthly treasures offer only superficial security. But, heavenly riches provide true, lasting security4. People are encouraged to think about what they value most. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be4.
Investing in relationships, kindness, prayer, and devotion builds wealth that lasts beyond this world. It follows us into eternity.
Spiritual Investing: The Concept of Eternal Wealth
The idea of spiritual investing is about using our resources for eternal rewards. Investing in relationships and kindness is key. This approach not only brings heavenly treasures but also enriches our lives and those around us.
Investing in Relationships and Acts of Kindness
The Harvard Study of Adult Development shows that relationships are crucial for happiness and health. This study, the longest on happiness, says social wealth is as important as financial wealth5.
In Luke 3, John the Baptist talks about sharing with the poor. He says we should share clothes and food. The story of a boy offering food to a crowd shows the power of generosity6. These acts meet needs and help us gain eternal rewards by investing in God’s kingdom.
The Role of Faith and Devotion
Faith and devotion are key in spiritual investing. Alcorn compares earthly treasures to hotel room items, showing their fleeting nature. He suggests focusing on generosity and giving as worship. Matthew 6:21 says, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”6.
This mindset shift leads to eternal rewards, using our Time and Physical Wealth for a balanced life5. Living generously creates a legacy that lasts beyond our time6.
Spiritual investing is about living by faith and devotion. It shows how our choices and actions have lasting impact. By focusing on God’s work and being generous, we can achieve eternal wealth.
For more on spiritual investing, check out here5.
Biblical Guidance on Building Eternal Wealth
Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount offer deep guidance on eternal wealth. They encourage us to focus on heavenly investments, not just earthly riches.
Teachings from the Sermon on the Mount
In Matthew 6, the Sermon on the Mount teaches us to value heavenly treasures over earthly ones. Jesus says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal”7. This highlights the need to prioritize kingdom investments over material wealth.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
– Matthew 6:21
Examples from Jesus’ Life
Jesus lived by these teachings, showing us how to handle wealth. His words on money and possessions make up 15 percent of his teachings, showing its importance8.
Biblical stories also show us what kingdom investments look like. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, believers are told to be rich in good deeds and generosity. This supports the idea of valuing heavenly treasures over earthly ones7. Jewish beliefs also tie heavenly treasures to kindness and personal growth, showing the value of using wealth to help others9. Jesus teaches that we can’t take wealth to heaven, encouraging us to invest in the spiritual realm instead9.
By following these teachings and examples from Jesus, we can understand the true meaning of eternal wealth. We can then focus on building treasures that last forever.
Heavenly Riches: What Truly Matters
To understand heavenly riches, we must look beyond what we can see and touch. Unlike material wealth, which can vanish in a moment, heavenly riches last forever10. Matthew warns us that earthly treasures are fragile, subject to decay and theft10.
The Value of Living for God’s Glory
Pursuing heavenly riches means we aim to honor God with our lives. Jesus taught us to focus on treasures in heaven, not just earthly ones10. The Gospel of Luke talks a lot about money and wealth, showing us how to live in a way that pleases God11.
Faith, obedience, and selflessness are key to living for God’s glory. These qualities help us build wealth that lasts forever.
Examples of Heavenly Riches in the Bible
The Bible is full of stories that show the value of heavenly riches. In Luke, a poor widow’s generous gift is a powerful example of giving without expecting anything in return11. Matthew 6:19–21 teaches us to seek treasures in heaven, showing that earthly wealth is not as valuable10.
The apostles’ dedication to Jesus’ teachings is a great example of how selfless actions can enrich our spiritual lives. These stories teach us that true wealth is about serving God’s purpose and gaining eternal rewards.
Luke 19 tells the parable of the minas, which stresses the importance of being good stewards of what God gives us11. Making choices that align with our faith can lead to investments in God’s kingdom that bring eternal rewards. This idea is found in many teachings on heavenly investment strategy12.
| Earthly Treasures | Heavenly Riches |
|---|---|
| Susceptible to decay, theft, and loss10 | Eternal and secure10 |
| Focus is on self and material gain | Centered on living for God’s glory and helping others |
| Can distract from spiritual maturation11 | Encourages growth in faith and obedience11 |
Treasures in Heaven: Building Eternal Wealth
Building eternal wealth means understanding the value of godly stewardship and giving. The Bible teaches us to value heavenly riches more than earthly ones. This shows our faith and love for Jesus Christ3. In fact, 24.5% of the Bible talks about the importance of these treasures3
By giving to the needy and enduring persecution, we grow our spiritual wealth. This wealth is much greater than any earthly gain2. Our generosity not only helps others but also increases our heavenly wealth2. How we handle our money shows our faith in Jesus2.
Statistics show that our efforts in the kingdom of God lead to different rewards. These rewards depend on how hard we work3. Sacrificial giving, like the retired missionary doctor who gave half his income, greatly impacts our spiritual journey13.
By focusing on heavenly treasures, we show our commitment to God’s glory. This approach brings lasting benefits. It helps us fulfill our role as faithful stewards, positively affecting our community and following Christ’s teachings.
Godly Stewardship and Generous Living
Living a life of godly stewardship means managing our resources to honor God. We understand that everything we have belongs to Him. This means using our time, talents, and treasures wisely. We should always think about how we can serve God better and show our faith through giving.
The Importance of Stewarding Resources
Managing our resources well is key to our spiritual journey. The Bible teaches us in Psalm 50 that God doesn’t need our offerings. He says, “I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills”14. This shows that everything we have is God’s, and we must use it wisely.
Haggai 2 also tells us that our wealth, “the silver and the gold,” is God’s. It’s meant to bring glory to Him14. Believers should see themselves as caretakers of God’s creation. They should aim to increase the value of these gifts by living righteously.
Practicing Generosity in Daily Life
Being generous is more than just giving. It’s about living a life of service and openness. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Chronicles that “everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from your hand”14. This shows that our ability to give comes from God’s generosity to us.
Practical generosity can be shown in many ways. We can do acts of kindness, support community projects, and teach these values to our children. Studies show that older people tend to give more than younger ones. This highlights the importance of teaching generosity early in life15.
Parents can teach children about money by letting them learn from their experiences15. Using jars for “Giving,” “Saving,” and “Spending” can help kids understand financial stewardship15. This sets the stage for a life of generosity that lasts beyond childhood.
Jesus taught us to focus on treasures in heaven by giving generously15. By living a life of generosity and wise stewardship, we honor God. We also make a lasting impact that goes beyond this life and touches eternity.
Eternal Rewards: What Awaits in Heaven
The idea of eternal rewards is deeply rooted in scripture. It gives believers hope for what’s to come. These promises are real, found in verses that have guided followers for centuries.
Scriptural Promises of Eternal Rewards
The Bible is full of verses about eternal rewards. For example, James 1:12 talks about the “Crown of Life” for those who endure trials16. Matthew 16:27 also mentions rewards based on our actions16. These verses show the Bible’s emphasis on eternal rewards.
Real-Life Testimonies and Interpretations
Real-life stories of faith offer valuable insights. The “Judgment Seat of Christ” is a key topic, appearing 13.3K times17. Many believe in salvation by grace but also see the value of their works in heaven, as shown in John 9:4-518.
Revelation 22:12, with 330 helpful votes, says God will repay each person for their actions16. This verse is crucial for many believers. Matthew 5:12, with 374 helpful votes, also talks about joy in heaven for those who suffer for doing right16.
Looking at both scripture and real-life stories helps us understand eternal rewards better. These promises and stories guide us towards a life focused on spiritual wealth, not just material things.
The Power of Sacrificial Giving
Sacrificial giving shows deep faith and trust in God’s care. It’s seen in the Bible and today, changing lives. It shows how giving can transform both the giver and the receiver.
Examples of Sacrificial Giving in the Bible
The Bible is full of examples of giving up for God. King David wanted to build a temple for God but was told it was not his task. Instead, God promised to build a house for David in heaven19. This shows putting God’s will first over personal dreams.
Jesus also taught about the value of heavenly treasures over earthly ones. He said earthly riches won’t last, but treasures in heaven are forever20.
Modern-Day Applications of Sacrificial Giving
Today, sacrificial giving looks like many efforts to help others. For example, the “More Than a Building” campaign aims to improve the community. It shows a commitment to use resources wisely for the greater good in Durham19.
This effort is like the biblical advice to support the church, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:17-1821.
Today, giving also means supporting missionaries and projects that help others. This follows the biblical example of funding missionaries, as in 1 Corinthians 9:3-1421. Giving not only gains heavenly rewards but also shows our faith through action.
Modern giving also means making personal sacrifices. Like choosing to have less so we can give more to those in need. This follows Jesus’ teachings to value spiritual riches over material wealth20. Sacrificial giving today still shows the power of generosity, affecting both the giver and receiver.
| Concept | Ancient Example | Modern Application |
|---|---|---|
| Building Projects | King David’s Desire to Build God’s Dwelling | “More Than a Building” Campaign19 |
| Support for Missionaries | 1 Corinthians 9:3-14 | Funding Ongoing Missionary Work21 |
| Personal Sacrifices | Jesus’ Teachings on Heavenly Treasures | Living with Less to Give More20 |
Kingdom Investments: Prioritizing God’s Work
Investing in God’s kingdom means using our resources to help spread Christ’s message. Jesus taught us to value heavenly treasures more than earthly ones22. Proverbs 11:24-25 shows how being generous can lead to blessings for ourselves and others23.
Oxford Assembly Church puts a big part of its income into mission work22. They also run programs for youth and children, focusing on the next generation of leaders22. This effort matches biblical teachings on investing in God’s word and helping the poor23.
The parable of the nobleman and the talents teaches us about wise investments22. Abraham’s story in Hebrews 11:8 tells us to look beyond temporary riches for eternal rewards24. Randy Alcorn talks about how our financial choices can impact our eternal rewards23.
Believers should give without expecting praise, as Matthew 6:2 says22. By focusing on spiritual growth, we follow God’s plan. Living generously is rewarded, but our main goal should be to thank God, not gain23. Jesus taught us to put God first and seek eternal rewards24.
Worldly wealth is fleeting, as seen with Confederate States of America banknotes after the Civil War24. So, investing in eternal rewards, like spreading the Gospel and helping the poor, is key for believers23. By doing this, we grow spiritually and make a big difference in Christ’s mission.
Reflection: Heart Check – Where is Your Treasure?
As we explore this section, it’s crucial to do a heart check. This personal reflection helps us see where our true treasures are. The teachings tell us to focus on eternal rewards, not just what we can see and touch. Matthew 6:21 reminds us, “where a person’s treasure is, there their heart will also be”25.
Many people value money, power, fame, and attention. Research shows many chase earthly success and wealth, influenced by what others think26. But these things can be lost or stolen, showing they’re not lasting27. The ups and downs of the stock market prove that material wealth is unstable26. This makes us think about the value of treasures that last forever26.
Think about whether you’re chasing after earthly things or deepening your bond with God. Jesus says our relationship with Him is the greatest treasure for eternity25. The Bible says sharing the Gospel and honoring God can increase our eternal wealth25. But, worldly desires can pull us away from growing spiritually and investing in heaven27.
Looking at our spiritual lives shows that those who seek eternal rewards live by faith, love, and obedience27. Their lives show they know true joy comes from God, not from material things27. We’re called to check our priorities and align with God’s plans. This way, we find peace and happiness in His promises that never end.
Conclusion
This article looked into the idea of building eternal wealth through spiritual investments. It used teachings from the Bible, both old and new. We learned that true wealth is not about what we have on earth but about what we have in heaven.
By studying Jesus’ teachings and his life, we understood the importance of living for God’s glory. This means focusing on heavenly riches rather than material wealth. Randy Alcorn’s words remind us that every dollar we give and every sacrifice we make adds to our eternal wealth28.
We also talked about how to apply these teachings in our daily lives. This includes being good stewards of what we have, living generously, and giving sacrificially. The idea of investing in God’s kingdom was stressed, showing how our actions today affect our future rewards.
Stories and Bible verses showed us that these rewards are real. They encouraged us to live in a way that shows our commitment to heaven. Data also showed that many people focus on retirement over eternity. Yet, living with self-control and contentment can lead to true wealth in heaven29.
Finally, we need to think about our spiritual state and what we hope for in the future. Jesus teaches us to see our wealth and resources as opportunities for giving. Through Lady Huntington’s story and Randy Alcorn’s teachings, we see that giving and sacrificing build wealth in God’s kingdom. Let’s aim to live with an eternal perspective for true, lasting prosperity28.
FAQ
What Are Earthly Treasures?
How Do Earthly and Heavenly Treasures Differ?
What Does Spiritual Investing Entail?
How Do Faith and Devotion Influence Spiritual Investing?
What Guidance Does the Sermon on the Mount Offer on Building Eternal Wealth?
Can You Provide Examples of Jesus’ Life as a Guide to Building Eternal Wealth?
What Constitutes Heavenly Riches?
How Can We Practice Godly Stewardship?
What Are Some Practical Ways to Practice Generosity Daily?
What Do Scriptural Promises Say About Eternal Rewards?
Are There Testimonies Highlighting the Benefits of Prioritizing Spiritual Wealth?
What Are Examples of Sacrificial Giving in the Bible?
How Can We Apply the Principles of Sacrificial Giving Today?
What Are Kingdom Investments and Why Are They Important?
How Can We Assess Where Our Treasures Lie?
Source Links
- Spiritual Treasures are of Eternal Value – https://www.ensign.edu/devotional/elder-jose-a-teixeira-02-2024
- Matthew 6:19-21 “Treasures In Heaven” Teachings – https://get.tithe.ly/blog/treasures-in-heaven
- How can we store up treasures in heaven? – https://www.gotquestions.org/treasures-in-heaven.html
- Treasures in Heaven, Part 1 – https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/2245/treasures-in-heaven-part-1
- 5 Types of Wealth – https://www.simplimd.com/blog/5-types-of-wealth
- Treasure Principle Summary: How to Invest in Heavenly Things – https://lifewater.org/blog/treasure-principle-summary-how-to-invest-in-heavenly-things/
- What are earthly treasures (Matthew 6:19)? – https://www.gotquestions.org/earthly-treasures.html
- Don’t Be Anxious, Lay Up Treasure in Heaven – https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/dont-be-anxious-lay-up-treasure-in-heaven-part-1
- PDF – https://cbfa-jbib.org/index.php/jbib/article/download/598/600/
- Where Is Your Treasure? Finding True Joy in Heavenly Wealth – https://medium.com/@richbitterman/where-is-your-treasure-finding-true-joy-in-heavenly-wealth-65df256be23f
- Unrighteous Wealth and Heavenly Riches – Scripture Comes to Life – https://scripturecomesto.life/blog/unrighteous-wealth-and-heavenly-riches/
- Eternal Investments: Understanding True Treasure – – https://faithupsidedown.org/storing-treasures-heaven-meaning/
- Treasures in Heaven by Rosemary Jensen – https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/treasures-heaven
- 10 Bible Verses About Stewardship of Money – https://get.tithe.ly/blog/bible-verses-about-stewardship-of-money
- Raising Faithful Stewards – Eternal Perspective Ministries – https://www.epm.org/resources/2023/Oct/16/raising-faithful-stewards/
- What Does the Bible Say About Rewards In Heaven? – https://www.openbible.info/topics/rewards_in_heaven
- What Kind of Rewards Will Believers Receive in Heaven? – https://davidjeremiah.blog/what-kind-of-rewards-will-believers-receive-in-heaven/
- Are There Different Degrees of Reward in Heaven? | Cold Case Christianity – https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/are-there-different-degrees-of-reward-in-heaven/
- Sacrificial Giving and an Eternal Temple – https://twojourneys.org/sermons/series/more-than-a-building/sacrificial-giving-and-an-eternal-temple/
- Laying Up Treasures In Heaven (Matt. 6:19-21) – West Palm Beach church of Christ – https://westpalmbeachchurchofchrist.com/topical/miscellaneous/laying-up-treasures-in-heaven.html
- Storing Up Treasure In Heaven – The Bridge – https://thebridgeonline.net/sermons/storing-up-treasure-in-heaven/
- A Wise Investment – https://www.oxfordag.org/sunday-messages-archives/a-wise-investment
- Heaven’s Rewards Program: Why Investing into the Kingdom Should be a Top Priority for Christians – https://www.mycccu.com/resource-center/blogs/heavens-rewards-program-why-investing-into-the-kingdom-should-be-a-top-priority-for-christians/
- Investing in the kingdom, Luke 16: 1-13 – The Beach Fellowship | Bethany Beach, DE – https://thebeachfellowship.com/2014/05/investing-kingdom-luke-16-1-13/
- Where Your Treasure Is, There Your Heart Will Be Also – Matthew 6:21 Meaning Explained – https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/its-true-where-your-treasure-is-there-your-heart-will-be-also.html
- What does it mean that “where your treasure is there will your heart be also”? – https://www.gotquestions.org/for-where-your-treasure-is.html
- Where Is Your Treasure? Finding True Joy in Heavenly Wealth – https://richbitterman.com/2024/10/23/where-is-your-treasure-finding-true-joy-in-heavenly-wealth/
- Are You Building An Eternal Fortune Or Chasing Fleeting Wealth? – Brandywine Valley Church – https://brandywine.church/2024/11/are-you-building-an-eternal-fortune-or-chasing-fleeting-wealth/
- Lay Up Treasures in Heaven (Part 3) – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lay-up-treasures-heaven-part-3-rob-streetman