Text:         Matthew 6:20

By:            Bro. Ekaragha Isaac (Deacon)

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Strive is to make a great effort to achieve something.

Actualize is to make a plan or wish to become true.

Eternal means continuing for ever without end.

Security is the state of protection from destruction, danger or attack. In this context, it means salvation.

Upon conversion and baptism into the body of the kingdom of God, the believer is scripturally expected to be doggedly involved in serving God, keeping his commandments and remaining faithful to the end to be saved – Revelation 2:10, Matthew 24:13.

Storing up treasure in heaven without wavering is the only process by which eternity in heaven is guaranteed. However the Christian race is likened to the parable of the sower with different levels of commitment with the attendant failure or success according to the bible book of Matthew 13:18-25. We are however enjoined to make a positive impact.

Jesus Christ advised and He is still advising Christians to store up treasures in heaven. The scripture does not leave us in doubt as to the practical and theoretical aspects of Christianity, which if strictly complied with or observed would culminate in storing up treasures in heaven – James 1:25, 2 Peter 1:3-4.

What does it mean to store up treasures in heaven? It means living a holy Christian life with total commitment to God’s commandments. It means we have to treasure the Lord Jesus most of all. When we live sacrificially or serve Him by serving in the body of Christ. When Jesus is our treasure, we are expected to commit our resources – time, money, talents to His work in the world. Our motivation for what we do is important. 1 Corinthians 10:31. Apostle Paul encouraged servants that God has an eternal reward for those who are motivated to serve God through Jesus Christ. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart and not for human masters. It is Christ you are serving since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord – Colossians 3:22-24.

Even seemingly small acts of service to God do not go unnoticed by Him. Anyone who gives a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, I tell you that person will not lose His reward – Matthew 10:42. Some with more visible gifts such as teaching, singing, counselling as contained in 1 Corinthians 12 might be tempted to use their gifts for their own glory. Those who use their talents as spiritual gifts coveting the praise of men rather seeking God’s glory receive reward in full here and now.

The applause of men was the extent of the Pharisees reward – Matthew 6:16. Why should we work for worldly plaudits, however, when we can have so much more in heaven?

STRATEGIES OF STORING UP TREASURES IN HEAVEN

The scripture does not leave us ignorant of the ways of achieving this ideal. It is through exhaustive edification, evangelism and benevolence.

• Maintaining a cordial relations with God and humanity – Matthew 22:38-39, John 12:26, Romans 12:18, Romans 13:8-10.
• Studying and preaching the gospel – 2 Timothy 2:15, 4:2, Matthew 28:19-20.
• Active and regular participation in church programmes – Hebrews 10:25.
• Moral rectitude – abstaining from works of the flesh – Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
• Benevolence – Galatians 6:10, Matthew 25:34-40.
• Forgiving one another no matter the degree of offence – Colossians 3:13, Matthew 6:14-15.
• Grace in our speech – Colossians 4:6.
• Decency in our dressing – Deuteronomy 22:5, 2 Timothy 2:9.
• No backbiting, partiality – Romans 1:30, James 2:3-4.
• Humility – 1 Peter 5:5.

Conclusion 

It would be a huge disappointment missing heaven on account of religious flaws or living a life of dissipation. Christ would be glad to present to Himself a glorious and holy church without blemish at the end of time. It is our collective prayer to be partakers in Jesus’ name – amen.

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