Eternal Perspectives (Matthew 6:19-20)

Big Idea: Invest in lasting treasures, as earthly ones fade while Christ's rewards endure forever.

In school, I lived with three different families, but one made me feel so at home that I considered staying there permanently. For a year and a half, I enjoyed some of the best meals I’ve ever had—meals I didn’t have to cook. In fact, I think I only cooked twice and barely touched the dishwasher. Cleaning? That seemed to happen by magic. I’ll never forget the time I pulled out a milk jug, turned to grab a cup, and by the time I set it on the counter, the milk was already back in the fridge. It was like the house cleaned itself—though, of course, not with any help from me.

I had the biggest bedroom and my own bathroom, which the family’s three children avoided, preferring their parents’ ensuite instead. They even offered to do my laundry. I believed I was spending a lot for luxury, but once I started paying my own bills, I realized they weren't saving much with my payments.

Around the same time, someone loaned me their car for four months. I knew cars ran on gas, but I hadn’t really considered the cost of keeping one on the road. I just assumed you turned the key, drove, parked it, and that was that. Sometimes, I'd return it to the owner, mention the oil change needed, and ask if they could have it ready by dinner. Life was good.

As my wedding to Charlene approached, I jokingly said that married life would be great if we just stayed with this family. “Most couples have to cook, pay a mortgage, and do dishes,” I said. “What a life we’ll have living here with you!” To my surprise, they didn’t share my enthusiasm. They made it clear that my stay was temporary. They had no plans to cater to my needs once their kids grew up—or once I got married.

As much as I enjoyed my time there, it was always meant to be a stop along the way, not the destination. I was on my way to something better. And by the way, if anyone hears of a better place, do let me know.

Hebrews 11 says:

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. (Hebrews 11:8-10)

Did you notice in verse 9? He lived in tents, for he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose designer and builder is God. Similarly, 1 Peter 2:11 reminds us that we are aliens and strangers in this world. Yet, how easy it is to become too comfortable here, mistaking this temporary residence for our permanent home.

Friends, we are merely passing through, living in tents on our way to something far greater. At any moment, we can leave this temporary place and enter the glory of our eternal home—the saints’ everlasting rest.

So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. (Hebrews 4:9-10)

This past week a member of our church has entered into this rest. We don't know who is going to be next. Which is why the writer to the Hebrews continues:

Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:11)

One of the problems with our view of heaven is that we picture it to be a place with clouds and harps and angels. Somebody could say, "I'd rather spend a weekend in a bear trap than in heaven." Jesus made heaven sound like a real place. The Bible teaches that those who have trusted Christ will live eternally with God in the new heavens and new earth. Jesus said:

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. (Matthew 6:19-20)

To store up treasures in heaven means to invest your life in what matters eternally. Jesus contrasts earthly treasures—things that decay, depreciate, or can be stolen—with heavenly treasures that last forever. It’s about shifting our focus from temporary gains to eternal rewards.

Storing treasures in heaven means living with eternity in mind, prioritizing what will matter in 30 million years over today’s urgent concerns. It’s about living for God's glory, loving others, and believing that his rewards are greater than anything the world offers.

At first glance, the phrase "store up treasures in heaven" might seem to imply that we earn rewards through our own efforts. But we need to be clear. The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace alone, through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is a gift, not something we can earn or achieve.

So, what does it mean to store up treasures in heaven? It's not about merit or gaining God's favor. Instead, it’s about aligning our lives with kingdom priorities and living as members of God’s family. Heavenly treasures are the result of a heart transformed by grace, a life that reflects the values of God’s kingdom. Embracing generosity, love, humility, and service reflects our true identity in Christ rather than earning salvation. These actions flow from a heart that treasures God above all else.

Avoid living for short-term rewards. Live for God's eternal rewards.

What are you doing with your one and only life? It’s fleeting, and the end will come sooner than you think. When it does, what regrets will you carry? How are you investing in others? Because when life draws to a close, it’s people, not possessions or achievements, that truly matter.

Life is fleeting, like a flower that blooms for only a short time. Even if you live 70 or 80 years, it’s a brief moment compared to eternity. The choices we make in life have lasting significance, reminding us to live with an eternal perspective, as the rewards will last forever.

Investing in What Matters Eternally

Jesus calls us to faith and repentance, encouraging us to focus on storing treasures in heaven instead of holding onto temporary earthly treasures. So how do we do this? How do we live as strangers and sojourners in this world, investing in what truly matters? How do we store up treasures in heaven and make deposits into our eternal account?

Here are five actions God promises are worth it in the light of eternity.

Worship

A powerful example of storing up heavenly treasure is found in Luke 7. A man eager to challenge Jesus was rude and ignored basic hospitality by not washing Jesus' feet or showing any respect. In contrast, a sinful woman entered to worship humbly. She used her hair and costly ointment to anoint Jesus’ feet, an act of extravagant love and devotion. The Pharisees mocked her for being a woman and a sinner, claiming she was wasting her time and resources. But Jesus responded with grace, saying her sins were forgiven and affirming that worship is never wasted. He shared a parable to show that those who understand their sin deeply will express greater love and gratitude in worship.

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray, “Hallowed be your name,” and assures us that “your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:6). One of those rewards is a deposit into your heavenly account. There’s no better investment than taking time to pause, acknowledge, and worship God. These moments are noted in heaven, bringing joy to God and aligning us with what truly matters.

Some of us get a little achievement oriented, but there's a poem:

I wasted an hour one morning before a mountain stream
I seized a cloud from the sky above and fashioned myself a dream
In the hush of early twilight far from the haunts of man
I wasted a summer evening and fashioned my dream again
Wasted? Perhaps, folks say so who have never walked with God
When lanes are purple with lilacs or yellow with goldenrod
But I have found strength for my labors in that short evening hour
I have found joy and contentment, I have found peace and I have found power
My dreaming has left me a treasure, a hope that is strong and true
In these wasted hours I have built my life
And I’ve found my faith anew

The poem highlights that what some consider wasted time—taking moments to worship, reflect, and dream—brings strength, joy, peace, and renewed faith. Worship shapes us, pleases God, and builds treasures that will last forever. In light of eternity, every moment spent in worship is worth it.

Here's a second way to live for what matters eternally:

Obedience

Peter writes:

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. (1 Peter 3:8-9)

Living like Christ is difficult. Have you ever been ripped off by someone? I've felt tempted to react badly. But losing $10 is never worth losing your character. Moments like these are beautiful opportunities to reflect Christ. When people meet us, they see a follower of Jesus, and we have the opportunity to reflect him in our responses.

The real question is this: How would Christ act if he were in my shoes? Choosing love over hate, forgiveness over grudges, wisdom over foolishness, faith over fear, and generosity over stinginess reflects God's character and brings him joy. These choices are eternal investments, deposits into our heavenly account that will never fade.

In the end, living for Christ may be costly now, but it will be worth it forever.

Here's a third way to live for what matters eternally:

Mercy

And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. (Matthew 10:42)

Someone is thirsty. Jesus didn’t say we need to solve the global water crisis or bring about world peace. He doesn’t set the bar impossibly high. He invites us to carry a canteen of compassion, ready to share grace with those we meet. Imagine how different the world would be if believers lived this way.

But if you’re like me, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the needs around us. We see the magnitude of suffering and feel helpless. Yet, we’re not called to fix everything—we’re called to help one person at a time. Think of the story of the boy on the beach after a storm, tossing stranded starfish back into the ocean. When an old man told him, “You can’t possibly make a difference for all of them,” the boy replied, “I made a difference for that one.”

You don’t have to change the world. Just keep your canteen filled and ready. Maybe it’s buying a chocolate bar from a child raising money for school. It could be donating to a benevolent fund to support someone whose mother is dying abroad. When we share Christ's love through small acts of kindness or quiet generosity, we bless others and store up treasures in heaven. Every drop counts.

Our expressions of mercy and compassion, no matter how small, are never wasted—they echo into eternity. God uses even the smallest acts to accomplish his purposes.

Here's a fourth way to live for what matters eternally:

Service

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Our service to the Lord is never in vain. It holds lasting importance. In 1 Corinthians 15:58, Paul encourages us to stay strong and be active in God's work, as every effort is important for eternity.

A pastor flying to another city to speak at a church. The person sitting beside him seemed to want to talk. The pastor asked God to help him with his sermon so that he would talk to this person. So he talked to this person who, it turned out, has leukemia. His wife has cancer. His daughter is living with diabetes. Through the church this man pastors, they had come to know God. The pastor’s willingness to serve, even in an unexpected moment, became a profound investment in eternity.

Our work for the Lord may seem small or unnoticed now, but it is noticed by the Lord and will bear fruit that lasts forever. Serving the Lord may require time, energy, or comfort, but it is always worth it in light of eternity. Keep going. Your labor in the Lord is never wasted.

Here's a fifth way to invest in what matters eternally:

Faithfulness

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Paul teaches us to live with perseverance, purpose, and an eternal perspective. Paul reflects on his life as a race he has run well, a fight he has fought faithfully, and a trust he has kept intact. He’s not boasting; he’s showing us what it looks like to live a life fully devoted to Christ, even in the face of hardship.

First, it reminds us that life is a struggle. Paul’s imagery of a fight and race shows that following Jesus is challenging. There will be challenges, distractions, and moments of discouragement. But we’re called to keep going, to stay faithful, and to endure to the end.

Second, it calls us to focus on what truly matters. Paul’s confidence comes from knowing he has lived for Christ and kept the faith. This means prioritizing obedience to God, sharing the gospel, and living in a way that reflects Christ’s character. It’s about staying true to our calling, even when it’s costly.

Finally, it points us to the reward. Paul speaks of the “crown of righteousness” that awaits him—and not just him, but all who long for Christ’s appearing. This reminds us to live with eternity in view. Our work for the Lord is never pointless; our greatest reward is being with Jesus and hearing Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

So, how should we live? With endurance, faithfulness, and a focus on the finish line. Keep running your race, even when it’s hard. The crown is coming, and it’s worth it.

The odds are often stacked against us. Distractions lure us toward pleasure-seeking, and discouragement can pull us into deep valleys. Overcoming these challenges requires the Holy Spirit's power and our strong commitment.

Somebody wrote these words:

I am a disciple of Christ. I won't look back, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I am finished with low living, sight walking, small thinking, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talk, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. My face is set, my goal is heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough. But my guide is reliable and my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, associate at the table of the enemy, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, let up, or shut up till I've preached up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I'm a disciple of Christ. I must go until he comes, give till I drop, preach till all know and work till he stops. And when he comes to claim his own, he will have no problem recognizing me, because my colors are clear."

How clear are your colors? When last did you make a resounding commitment that, from here to the grave, you are going to be true to Christ and build up treasures in heaven?

Storing treasures in heaven means investing in things that endure. Earthly treasures—money, possessions, status—are temporary. They can be stolen, destroyed, or lost. Investing in eternal things—like loving others, sharing the gospel, worshiping God, and serving his purposes—means participating in what will never fade. These treasures aren’t just rewards; they’re the natural outflow of a life centered on Christ.

Ultimately, this phrase calls us to examine our hearts. What do we value most? Where is our treasure? Jesus reminds us that "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). Storing up treasures in heaven means living with eternity in view, letting God’s priorities shape our decisions, and finding our greatest joy in him. It’s not about earning; it’s about belonging and living as citizens of heaven, even while we’re still here on Earth.

The gospel transforms everything. It reminds us that we are not saved by our efforts, but by the finished work of Christ. Jesus left the glory of heaven to live among us, to die for our sins, and to rise again so that we might have eternal life. He paid the ultimate price to secure our place in the city with foundations, whose designer and builder is God.

This world is not our home. Like Abraham, we live as sojourners, looking forward to a better country, a heavenly one. But while we wait, we are called to live in light of eternity. Every act of worship, obedience, mercy, service, and faithfulness is a response to the grace we've received. These are not attempts to earn God’s favor; they are the fruit of lives transformed by the gospel.

So, where is your treasure? If it’s in the things of this world, they will fade. But if your treasure is in Christ, it will last forever. The good news is that Jesus invites us to come to him, to lay down our striving, and to rest in his finished work. He calls us to live for what truly matters, to invest in what will endure, and to find our joy in him.

Trust in Christ. Let him be your treasure, your hope, and your joy. And as you live for him, remember: it will all be worth it in the light of eternity. One day, we will meet him face to face, and all our sacrifices, acts of faith, and moments of devotion will seem small compared to the glory of being with him forever. What a day that will be!