Why do you store up Treasures on Earth?

19 “Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21

From what I have observed, it appears the rich keep getting richer, the middle class is the new poor, and the poor or homeless are non-existent.

Some individuals spend so much time making money that they forget how to slow down and enjoy the fruits of their labor. They also do not have time for God because they are so busy trying to break the bank, but how much money do you really need?

Some wealthy individuals do not appear to be happy because they are afraid of losing their fortune. Don’t they realize by now that you cannot take it with you? When you are gone, chances are your family will be fighting over the material possessions you leave behind

Look at the ancient Egyptians. They tried to store up treasures on earth and wanted to make sure that when they die, they would have not only the basic necessities but also gold, silver, precious stones, food, clothing, etc. buried with them so they could enjoy them in the afterlife, which they felt was a continuation of life on earth.  It is also sad that certain groups of people dug up their burial ground and took possession of their goods.

I often ask the question, how much money does one person need? Furthermore, I want to understand why some rich individuals try to do everything they can to obtain as much money as they can while other people suffer and starve. They feel like I got mine and you are just too lazy to get yours. I am not going to give you a handout.

It appears that they do not care as long as they and their family are taken care of.

It is not always greed or selfishness when it comes to some wealthy individuals. Some use their wealth to gain power and influence over others. All of this takes their eyes off the real prize, which is doing God’s work or serving Him. That is why He said that where your treasure is, your heart will also be.

How do you store treasures in Heaven?

I would follow the great commandments, which are to love God and love man or your neighbor as yourself. If you can do those two things, everything else will fall into place.

If you love God and man, you would:

Help anyone in need, especially the poor.

Seek first the kingdom of God.

Feed on God’s word.

Share your time, talent, and money with the world.

Do good.

Live right.

Follow God’s directions.