What can we take to heaven with us?
Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV) 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Worldly mindedness focuses on material things
Heavenly mindedness dwells on the invisible and should in the main be hidden from public view.
What earthly treasures does this scripture refer to?
What can be destroyed by moths and mice?
What can be stolen by thieves breaking into our property?
It seems to me that the only thing we can take to heaven are people (especially our families), and this is only achievable by our love as exercised in its many and various forms…prayer, giving, sacrifice, fasting, kindness and forgiveness etc. These are the types of action that will help us tostore up treasure in heaven.
These actions when empowered by displaying your love (see 1 Corinthians 13) will influence the people who we meet in life e.g.
When you love, you show mercy.
When you love, you forgive.
When you love, you forbear.
When you love, you are kind.
When you love, you are patient.
Where does this love come from?
Romans 5:5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Day by day, minute by minute the Holy Spirit is pouring God's agape love into each believer's heart.
Let it show!
Let it flow!
Let it produce the fruit of the Spirit in your life!
Amen
Your closing prayer.
Love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go, and it makes the end so easy Louisa May Alcott, Little Women (1868)
In Parts 2-5 of this study we consider how we might practically go about storing up treasure in heaven.