“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.”– Matthew 6:20 (KJV)
“Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.”– Matthew 6:20 (NLT)
“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where it’s safe from thieves and cannot decay or be destroyed.”– Matthew 6:20 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 6:20 Mean?
Matthew 6:20 invites us to focus on where we place our value and to think deeply about what really matters in life. In this Biblical verse, we are reminded to intentionally not accumulate material wealth or possessions that are fleeting. Instead, we are encouraged to “lay up” treasures in heaven. These treasures refer to acts of kindness, love, generosity, and the good deeds we do for others. They are intangible and eternal, contrasting with the material wealth that can be destroyed or stolen.
This verse also points out the fragility of earthly treasures. We can lose them to natural decay; they can be consumed by moths, or worse, they can be taken away by thieves. It is a waking call for us to check our priorities and desires. Are we chasing after things that do not last? Are we placing our trust in possessions that can, at any moment, slip through our fingers? By laying up treasures in heaven, we invest in something far surpassing the transient joys our possessions may offer.
Matthew 6:20 Explanation and Commentary
When we read Matthew 6:20, we must understand it within the larger context of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches about life in the Kingdom of God. Here, He tackles subjects from prayer to fasting, and from material wealth to moral integrity. This particular verse urges us to reflect on what we value most. The treasures we are encouraged to amass in heaven pertain to spiritual wealth, such as faith, hope, love, and a positive impact on the lives of others.
By storing up these everlasting treasures, we participate in God’s kingdom and reflect His character. Actions such as helping those in need, showing compassion, or sharing the gospel are all examples of laying up treasures in heaven. They serve as investments that yield rewards not merely in this life but also in the life to come. This makes us think about how we can live out our faith and serve others, allowing us to be a light in their lives.
Additionally, it’s important to look into what earthly treasure means in this context. It doesn’t mean that owning things is inherently bad. In fact, God has blessed us with resources, and how we manage them reflects our stewardship. It’s about our attitude. If acquiring possessions causes anxiety or if they become our priority, our hearts are misplaced. Our focus should remain rooted in God’s righteousness, as we are told just a few verses earlier in Matthew 6:33 to “seek first the kingdom of God.”
In conclusion, this verse serves as a challenge and an encouragement. The challenge lies in resisting the temptation of materialism, while the encouragement reminds us of the lasting joy we can gain from living a life that reflects God’s love. It shifts our mindset from accumulating possessions to building a legacy of kindness, love, and generosity.
Context of Matthew 6:20
Understanding Matthew 6:20 also requires familiarity with its context within the Gospel of Matthew. This portion of scripture falls within Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, which is one of the most significant teachings in the Bible. Here, Jesus discusses various issues that affect our spiritual well-being, such as hypocrisy, worry, and the motives behind our actions.
In the verses leading up to Matthew 6:20, Jesus emphasizes the futility of serving two masters—God and money (Matthew 6:24). He instructs us to focus our hearts on God rather than the things of this world. This sets the stage for verse 20, where Jesus encourages us to prioritize spiritual wealth instead of earthly possessions. It is a call to realign our priorities in life with God’s eternal purpose and design.
We find the phrase “treasures in heaven” reflects a broader biblical narrative that recurrently mentions spiritual wealth versus material wealth. For instance, in Luke 12:15, Jesus reminds us to be on guard against greed, showing us that our true worth does not lie in what we own but in our relationship with God and our actions toward others.
This idea finds resonance in various scriptures across the Bible, guiding us to see our physical resources as tools for serving God rather than merely for personal gain. This context frames not only Matthew 6:20 but also invites reflection on our personal intentions in how we choose to manage our lives and resources.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 6:20
Let’s take a closer look at important components of Matthew 6:20. The encouragement to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” is a direct call for proactive action. It invites us into a lifestyle that generates positive spiritual dividends. “Lay up” implies that we are responsible for our choices and actions. This is not a passive activity; we must actively seek opportunities to build our spiritual wealth.
The phrase “where moth nor rust doth corrupt” signifies the impermanence of earthly possessions. Moths can eat through the finest of clothes, just like rust can ruin metal. This illustrates the idea that anything material is subject to decay and loss. As Christians, we are encouraged to appreciate the fleeting nature of material goods. We are reminded that ultimately, they hold little lasting value compared to our relationships and legacy.
Moreover, “thieves do not break through nor steal” reflects an important theme in the message of Christ: the security of our spiritual investments. Unlike treasures that can be physically stolen or lost, the impacts we make through love, kindness, and sharing our faith are untouchable. They resonate beyond the confines of time and human interference. In heaven, our deeds endure eternally and remain unassailable.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 6:20
Matthew 6:20 teaches us many lessons on how we view materialism and spirituality. One of the main lessons revolves around our priorities. The verse encourages us to shift our perspective on wealth and possessions, understanding that what truly matters cannot be seen or touched. It reminds us to invest time and resources wisely, prioritizing things that last.
It’s essential that we evaluate what priorities take center stage in our lives. Are we investing in relationships, acts of kindness, or spiritual growth? Questions arise about how we can help others while serving God. This verse lays a foundation for acting in love and compassion and challenges us to consider how we can utilize our resources as tools for good.
Another important lesson focuses on security and trust in God. The verse’s reference to eternal treasures serves to redirect our trust from material possessions to faith in God’s promises. When we identify with our spiritual identity and the actions that stem from it, we experience a true sense of peace and contentment that physical security cannot provide. We become less anxious about gaining possessions and more focused on living a life that aligns with God’s values.
Lastly, we can’t overlook the encouragement to reflect on our choices. Our daily actions have the potential to build lasting treasures in heaven. We can choose to love, forgive, and serve, making each day an opportunity to store up wealth that cannot be tarnished. This is a powerful reminder that we each can impact the world positively, allowing our light to shine through our good works, as noted in Matthew 5:16.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 6:20 is a reminder of what we truly value in our lives. The encouragement to lay up treasures in heaven serves as a powerful motivation to live intentionally and align our pursuits with God’s purposes. As we consider what it means to store up treasures that last, we can individuals reflect on qualities like love, generosity, and kindness, which remain eternal. It encourages us not to be hoarders of material wealth but stewards of God’s abundant blessings.
Ultimately, this verse invites us to think about how our lives can have a lasting impact. By focusing on building treasures in heaven, we participate in a story far greater than ourselves. We can join in the continuous flow of love and compassion that Jesus exemplified during His time on earth.
As we explore these ideas and reflect on our lives, we might consider diving deeper into biblical teachings on generosity or the purpose behind our actions. Topics like legacy building and how to stay grounded in faith can provide us additional insights. Let’s remember to seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness, leading to the treasures that truly fulfill us in life.