Treasures of the Kingdom

BY Bailey T. Hurley

Our priority is to seek the kingdom over earthly possessions, replacing worry with trust in God’s provision.

I thought I was a relaxed hostess until I began hosting playdates with toddlers, a fun time where order and clean surfaces go to die! I tell myself that my belongings don’t matter, but when it comes down to it, the chaos of a group of three-year-olds can feel like a personal threat to my home and self-preservation. 

As I read today’s Scripture from Matthew, I paused and asked myself, What does it mean to store up “treasures in heaven”? What is Jesus actually asking me to do? The Scripture seems to focus less on actual possessions and more on the posture of the heart (see Matthew 19:16–22). Anything that stands in the way of us fully following and trusting in God is an area of our hearts we ought to examine. Matthew writes: 

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, 
where neither moth nor rust destroys, 
and where thieves don’t break in and steal. 
For where your treasure is, 
there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:20–21). 

What is “treasure” in heaven, from a kingdom perspective? It’s living for God’s glory and the good of others (Hebrews 6:10). Because God provides for His people and “delights to give [us] the kingdom,” we are free to pursue the good of other people, to focus on relationship with our Heavenly Father and those He has surrounded us with (Luke 12:32). No thief can steal love that has been freely given (v.33). 

My heart’s posture toward loving and serving others in my home takes an ugly turn when I begin to focus on my possessions, my appearance, and my control. Perhaps it’s a simple example, but it’s very real to me. When I become angry, bitter, and frustrated with my son for making a mess, I know it’s my comfort and my possessions that I’m actually concerned about. When adults are invited into my home and feel welcome enough to casually move furniture around without asking, my heart reveals its desire to control and maintain order. The sin in my heart gets in the way of hospitality, of pursuing the good of others. I want to offer a space where people feel comfortable and loved. When I’m too consumed by the outside mess, how can I possibly minister to the mess we all bring with us? 

So, yes, even little people in my sphere of influence (the home) need to know the patience and gentle instruction of God. Friends need to see the generosity of Jesus when we serve them in our home. I should worry less about shoes on the couch when our family is rich in relationships. God knows what we need to get through this physical, day-to-day world. He provides the necessary things for us, so we can focus on making the kingdom of God very real to the people here on earth. Couches fade and, believe it or not, you can get diet soda out of your rug with just hot water (and silent prayer). But ultimately, being present with people and sharing Jesus’s love with them are the kind of treasures I want to store up.