When I was growing up, I was occasionally disappointed when I had done something that I thought was good and got no recognition for doing it. Whenever this happened and I complained to Mom, she would say, “Dave, you’ll get your reward in heaven.” I didn't want it in heaven...I wanted it right then! Does that ever happen to you? How do you feel about it? Jesus had something to say about this. He called this principle “storing up treasure in heaven,” and He used this phrase six times in the Gospels. Today, let's listen to one of those six:

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20 NLT)

My Dad passed away at age 59. My Mom passed away at age 85. I turned 74 a week ago. Most people don't live longer than 90 years—in fact, most people live far shorter lives than that. The older I get, the more attractive "treasures in heaven" seem to me! One day, I know I'll be leaving my earthly treasures behind. So what's the best way to store up treasures in heaven? In Philippians 4:17 Paul wrote, “Though I appreciate your gifts, what makes me happiest is the well-earned reward you will have because of your kindness.” While you and I cannot earn our salvation, we know that God really does care about what we do. He wants us to do good works for others. Someone once told me that if you want to sing in the heavenly choir, choir practice begins right here on earth.

Today, consider how you might store up treasures in heaven. What can you do to help someone else? You'll be investing in your eternal future. Besides that, Jesus likes it...and that is very Good News!