“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV)
Some of us may remember the old E.F. Hutton television commercial which depicted a person in a crowded room discussing the financial advice their investment broker had given them: "My broker is E.F. Hutton and he says..." Upon saying that, the entire room stopped talking to listen. The intent of the commercial was to portray E.F. Hutton as the investment broker who gives the best investment advice. Their slogan was: "When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen".
In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus gives us investment advice beyond the scope of E.F. Hutton or any other advisor - and we should all stop to listen. Jesus tells us not to invest in that which we cannot keep but, rather, to invest in that which we cannot lose.
When we invest in earthly treasures we do not become spiritually rich. The dividends and rewards of earthly investments are fleeting; they come and go - and net a loss in the end. Our unused wealth cannot be stored forever. Eventually, upon our death, all earthly treasure will be lost. On the other hand, when we store up our treasures in Heaven, we reap everlasting benefits that cannot be lost; benefits that will never be taken away.
Our attentions and devotion are given to our treasures. If our treasures are in heaven, then our commitment will be there as well.
We have a choice to make between doing that which leads to greater earthly reward in the present or doing that which stores up greater future reward in Heaven. The reward in Heaven is everlasting life - can your investment broker offer that? If your investment broker is Jesus - Yes, He can!
Lord Jesus, guide us to make sound investments with the talents You have given to us. Bless us with the wisdom to make the right choices. In Your name we pray, Amen. †
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