Where is Our Treasure?

Giving has always been a part of the worship of God by His people.

And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.Genesis 14:20

And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD’s offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments.Exodus 35:21

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.Proverbs 3:9-10

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.Malachi 3:10

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Giving proves what I value.

How I handle what God has entrusted to me reveals the true condition of my heart.

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.Matthew 6:20-21

True wealth is found in heavenly treasures.

Earthly treasures lose their luster and have an expiration date, while heavenly treasures are eternal and secure.

Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.Luke 12:33-34

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.Colossians 3:2

Generosity reflects the heart of God.

Giving generously reflects God’s character and is a means of laying up treasures in heaven.

There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.Proverbs 11:24-25

Acts of kindness and graciousness are practical ways to invest in heavenly rewards.

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.Acts 20:35

God owns it all. We own nothing, yet steward everything.

Believers are stewards of God’s resources, called to use them for His glory and purposes.

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.1 Corinthians 4:2

A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.Psalm 24:1

Proper stewardship involves prioritizing God’s kingdom over personal gain.

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?Luke 16:10-11

Faithful giving leads to spiritual growth.

Giving loosens the grip of materialism and frees our hearts to cling to God.

Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.Matthew 19:21

Generosity fosters a spirit of gratitude and dependence on God.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:19

Do my decisions reflect a commitment to storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth?

Would others describe me as a generous person? Would God describe me that way?

Do I embrace my role as a steward by using God’s resources to honor Him?

Am I walking in wisdom in the way I use God’s resources?