Treasure

The Bible says you get it by giving money to the poor. Heavenly rewards are given for other actions, but Jesus only used the phrase 'treasure in heaven' in this way. Some bible passages are not so clear as this.  So, it is very good that on this subject, there is no lack of clarity. Who wouldn't want Treasure in Heaven.

It is important that we are not bamboozled with strange twists of interpretation.

Not long ago within a two week period I observed in church papers two church leaders referring to Matthew 19:21 and Luke 12:33.

Both, I believe, are good men, and I doubt that they sought personal gain, but they were stretching the interpretation to further their ministries.

One wrote in his church paper that "gifts to the building fund would build up treasure in heaven". The other said the same thing about gifts to his TV ministry. And one added, "put us in your will and treasure in heaven will continue to accrue after you have died".

In the Bible "Treasure in heaven" is a term that Jesus used sparingly, and only regarding gifts to the poor. Jesus said giving to the poor builds up treasure in heaven.

He said this on two occasions to different groups. Whether or not one can, after death, continue to accrue treasure later by his legacy to the poor is not covered in scripture.

However, applying ordinary logic, it seems to make sense. But not money given for a building program, or a TV ministry.

The poor, they will always be with us.  God enables His people to use creative responses to their situations so they may see a tangible expression that God indeed loves them.  And in so doing the people of God accrue treasure in heaven. All of God's ministries need funding to pay salaries, and to maintain their organizations. God is perfectly able to touch hearts of donors without anyone stretching truth to 'help him out'.

Dee Stribling - co-founder, In His Name Ministries