May 26 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

When the Lord Jesus instructs us to store up treasures in heaven, He is teaching us to live as children of the future. We live today but look beyond the present to the glory of the new earth. We use what belongs to this world without being ruled by it. Paul makes the same point in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 where he writes, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they may be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

We invest in the kingdom of heaven and lay a good foundation for the future by our willingness to share what has been given to us by the Lord. An hour spent visiting the sick, helping the perplexed, comforting the sorrowful, or cheering the lonely is never lost. Contacting individuals who need help getting their life back on track spiritually and emotionally is not a waste of time or energy. Providing our children with an education that is in harmony with God’s Word is a commitment that absorbs large sums of money and many hours of our time. But it is an investment in the kingdom of heaven. Treasures are being laid up in heaven as we go through life right now. We invest today! Honouring the Lord with our substance and the first-fruits of our increase is putting treasures in the right place. Money spent for the support of mission, to help the poor, to aid some struggling family—these are investments in the economy of heaven which are never lost because they are done for Christ’s sake. In Mark 10:21 Jesus says to the rich young ruler, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come take up your cross and follow me.”

Jesus challenges us to investigate the motivations of our hearts. Where your heart is, there is your treasure. Is your heart in earthly or heavenly investments? When our hearts are set ablaze with love for Christ and for His church we will be willing to give of our time, talents and money for the edification of the church and the advancement of God’s kingdom. May the Lord fill our hearts with wisdom and a love for Him, so that we have the discernment to make proper investments.