TREASURE IN HEAVEN
MATHEW 6:19-20
19 LAY NOT UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES UPON EARTH, WHERE MOTH AND RUST DOTH
CORRUPT, AND WHERE THIEVES BREAK THROUGH AND STEAL:
20 BUT LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES IN HEAVEN, WHERE NEITHER MOTH NOR RUST
DOTH CORRUPT, AND WHERE THIEVES DO NOT BREAK THROUGH NOR STEAL:
In Peru, people have a habit of keeping things, even if they seem unimportant. For example, if they get something new in a box, they’ll keep the box, just in case they need it later. This tendency comes from a history of not having much, so they cherish what they do have. At least that was the case for my friend’s grandpa.
He used to work on farms outside of town, while his family lived in the city. They didn’t have a lot of money, so they struggled to provide for their children. When he worked long hours in the fields, he stayed in a small, one-room house with just a bed and maybe a table.
Years after he passed away, his family decided to visit his little farmhouse. His daughter started cleaning and found a surprise under the mattress – lots of money! She had never seen so much money in one place. But there was a problem.
In 1991, Peru changed its currency from Intis to Soles. People had a limited time to exchange their old Inti bills for the new
Soles. If they missed the deadline, their old money became worthless. Sadly, that’s what happened to the farmer’s daughter. She had what could have been a fortune, but it had zero value.
Unfortunately this story is also very true for the spiritual state of Peruvians today. They hold on to their possessions and let nothing
go to waste, but when this life is over they will find that all they had been working so hard for here on this earth has zero value in heaven.The lesson here is clear: we cannot barter our earthly treasures for heavenly riches. Let us remember continually to seek and cultivate those enduring, everlasting treasures that transcend the boundaries of our material world. In doing so, we may find fulfillment and purpose that transcends the limitations of earthly wealth.