Have you made any deposits lately ? In His sermon on the mount, Jesus said this : “….lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:20) What exactly did Jesus mean by ‘laying up treasures in heaven’ ? Unfortunately most of us concentrate on maximizing our earthly IRA’s so that we can, supposedly, enjoy years of retirement in relative ease. But, this pursuit of a fat IRA can become a snare that takes precedent over more important life issues. The larger it gets, the more attention is required to manage the assets; worry about stock market trends, interest rates, tax liabilities, etc. And yes, while rust and moths are no longer concerns as in Jesus’s day, many trends and bad investments can contribute to losses of these stored “earthly treasures”. Jesus said in the next verse; “For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.” If our focus is on heavenly treasures we will be in good stead for a rest that lasts for eternity rather than a few short years of earthly retirement. We need to be investing for the long haul; eternity in the Kingdom.
Many investors turn to gold as a hedge against catastrophe in their IRA’s. It is viewed by many as a more stable investment in the long term. But, Jesus said this about gold: “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich…” (Revelation 3:18) So, we are advised to buy gold, but not physical gold from a precious metals broker, but gold refined by fire purchased from Jesus Himself ! How do we do this ? The following scriptures will provide clarity. “….you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6-7) “That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 1:2-3) The genuineness of your faith will continually be tried and tested, but you will be encouraged by your growing treasure of wisdom and knowledge you have been ‘purchasing’ from Jesus and the Father. This comes and grows from study of His Word as you allow the Holy Spirit to impart wisdom, transforming and renewing your mind. All other attempts to accumulate and store up earthly treasures are transitory, at best, and ultimately futile, particularly in these last days. “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your silver and gold are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days.” (James 5:1-3) Not a pretty scenario!
So, continue to study your bible and allow your stores of knowledge and wisdom to accumulate freely, purchased from Christ Himself. Remember, that refinement of these treasures will come as your faith is tested, particularly in these last days.
It’s quite simple to acquire vast wealth as you make deposits in your ‘heavenly’ IRA.
Maranatha, Jim