Jesus is perhaps the most clear about how Christians cannot live as an Atheist in the areas of money and possessions. He said, “no one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)
The biggest reason for this is because of our life in heaven, in eternity. We cannot bring any of our possessions or money into heaven. (Luke 12:16-21)
But while we can’t bring any of our money or possession into heaven, what Christians can do is lay up treasure in heaven.
Why do we need treasure in heaven, however?
Heaven is not just about angels playing harps and singing songs to God.
Heaven is a physical place with God and Jesus.
Heaven is a place where we will carry out activities, like eating, drinking, having fellowship.
Heaven is a place where we will exercise leadership and authority.
In such a place, there is a strong motivation to lay up treasure in heaven.
How do we lay up treasure in heaven?
We do so by giving to the needy.
Giving to the needy = investing in heaven.
“Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourself with money bags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.” (Luke 12:33)
There are five wins to investing in the kingdom:
- First win is others benefit from your giving
- Second win is that others see you and are motivated to give
- Third win is you learn to live a content and satisfied life in God
- Fourth is you accumulate for yourself treasure in heaven
- Fifth win is God is glorified when you give
And if we struggle now, Jesus teaches us to put the treasure first, and your heart will follow:
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:34)
So the challenge to live this out in your area of money is this:
