Stored Treasures

What Was Jesus Thinking? | Listen Online.

what are heavenly treasures

In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, he said: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” Matthew 6:19–21.

Most people understand what Jesus meant by his warning not to store up earthly treasures. But what exactly are heavenly treasures? And are we supposed to seek these heavenly rewards for ourselves?

After all, Scripture tells us we will receive crowns (James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 3:11). Yet those same crowns are laid at Jesus’ feet—because He alone is worthy to receive them (Revelation 4:10–11).

So what treasures did Jesus have in mind?

I believe he was speaking of treasures that last forever—things that are eternal. I have four suggestions as to what this means—and one of them might just surprise you!

1. People Are Eternal

Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave his disciples one final command: go into all the world and share the good news with everyone. God’s people are called to be fruitful and multiply—not just physically, but spiritually!

Where have we heard that before, to be fruitful and multiply? In Eden, of course. Adam and Eve failed to obey, but Jesus did not fail. He fulfilled every command perfectly and now empowers us through his Spirit to live out that Edenic calling—to expand God's kingdom by helping others come to know him.

Friends, all people live eternally. They will spend eternity with God or separated from him! What a frightening thought!

Every soul brought to Christ, and given the breath of life, the Holy Spirit, is a treasure stored up in heaven!

2. God's Word is Eternal

Another treasure we can store in heaven is God’s Word. Matthew 24:35 says, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away." This is why Scripture memorization matters so deeply. We’re told to hide God’s Word in our hearts so we won’t sin against him (Psalm 119:11). But memorization alone isn’t enough. We can know Bible verses by heart, yet still live in disobedience.

To truly “hide” God’s Word means to cherish it—to let it shape our thoughts, guard our hearts, and guide our actions. God’s Word transforms us for eternity! As Romans 10:17 reminds us, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

3. Good Works are Eternal

Listen to this promise from Revelation 14:13: “And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!’”

What an incredible and surprising truth! The good deeds we do today—acts of love, service, and generosity—will follow us into eternity. They are not forgotten. Even the smallest act done in Jesus’ name echoes in heaven forever.

Our work for the Lord is never in vain! So let us not grow weary in doing good, for this too is an eternal treasure.

4. Praise Is Eternal

Praise is another heavenly treasure. Does it come naturally? In some ways, yes! Even those who don’t believe can stand in awe of nature’s beauty and feel some sense of gratitude—but that gratitude falls flat. To whom do they praise? Mother Earth?

But for those who know the Creator, our praise has a true direction. We know every good thing flows from the hands of God. The challenge comes in praising him always—in joy and in sorrow. Scripture encourages us to: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).

However, this is difficult when life is overwhelming and prayer feels impossible. Thankfully we have the Psalms to give voice to our pain and peace to our hearts.

Yet, have you ever considered how those songs were inspired? Many came from king David’s darkest moments—his fears, failures, and deep sorrow. Had God shielded him from those trials, we would not have this ancient songbook that comforts and strengthens us today.

So when hardship comes, it's comforting to know that God keeps track of all our sorrows. He collects all our tears in His bottle, and records each one in his book (Psalm 56:8).

But may we also remember that God will use our suffering for His good and eternal purposes (Romans 8:28), just like he did with David.

Every tear we shed, every trial we endure, every act of trust, and every good work we do becomes a treasure stored in heaven. And that is something worthy of eternal praise to God! Amen?

What about you? What do you think Jesus meant about storing treasures in heaven? Please share your thoughts.

God bless you. Keep your eyes on Jesus!

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