Treasures In Heaven

Originally posted on June 24, 2010

I am currently doing a book-based Bible study with a fantastic group of women.  The book we are reading through is entitled Mission of Motherhood, and it is written by Sally Clarkson.  The entire book is riddled with Scripture references to guide and encourage mothers as they learn to become good stewards of the lives and souls of the children entrusted to their care.  Although only three chapters into it, I have truly been enjoying the study.  I have had my toes stepped on and been greatly encouraged by turns!

Yesterday, we worked through chapter three.  One particular section stood out to me.  Clarkson discusses Matthew 6:20-21, which states “²⁰But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  I have read these verses many times before, and always assumed God meant material treasures . . . crowns, huge mansions, etc.  But Clarkson puts a new twist on it that I found interesting . . . and humbling.  On page 53, she states:

As I pondered these verses, the realization that my children are eternal human beings whose lives and souls will last throughout all of eternity struck me powerfully.  God has given them into my husband’s and my hands to protect and lead and shepherd them through this life on earth; in his sight, they are my first priority.  Committing myself to fulfilling God’s design falls under the admonition to seek first his kingdom – the kingdom of heaven where we will live for all eternity.  The kingdom of this world and all of its pleasures last only for a lifetime.
My children will become treasures in heaven if they indeed learn to love God and serve him with their whole hearts.  This is eternal work – to train the hearts, minds, and consciences in righteousness.  This is the vital work of building a morally, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually strong generation of children who will be prepared to function responsibly for the rest of their lives. But before I can do this work effectively, I have to come to a point of yielding my heart to God’s will.  I have to surrender my old expectations of who I thought I was to the calling of the Lord on my life.  And if I have been blessed with children, I have to surrender myself wholeheartedly to my role of being a mother after God’s design.

I had never before thought of “treasures in heaven” as being spiritual in nature rather than material.  Clarkson’s words made me wonder . . . when Jesus was speaking of storing up treasures in heaven, did he mean souls?  Not only the souls of our children, but those of the people who we share Christ with while here on earth?  Figurative jewels in figurative crowns each saint will be handed on Judgment Day . . . the chance to hear God say “well done, good and faithful servant?”
Yesterday morning, I found the passages I read in my Bible during my quiet time reiterated what I learned Tuesday about motherhood and Christianity.  Colossians 3:1-4 states

¹Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. ²Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ³For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ⁴When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

We must set our hearts and minds on heavenly things, not on earthly things.  Materialism is so pervasive in our culture, that I think we tend to understand “treasures in heaven” within material boundaries.  Yet we know that the more “stuff” we have, the more “stuff” we tend to want.  At least that’s the way things tend to go for me.  When I set my sights on God, I find I am content with what I do have, and am more focused on those God brings into my life who do not know the joy and peace that comes with life in Christ.  I long for them to know God as I know him.  I may be completely off here, but I am beginning to think that maybe “treasures in heaven” equals souls we have been instrumental in saving.    I do not pretend to know whether or not there will be actual material rewards once we get to heaven.  But, I, for one, think that just being in God’s presence and knowing that I did my best to ensure those God entrusted me with ministering to made it to heaven as well will be enough.  I can think of no greater shame than to stand before my Savior with the realization that I failed to share Christ’s love with someone I knew here on earth.  Someone whose soul is eternally lost because of my silence.

I just got home from picking my daughter up from a class she takes on Thursday mornings.  On the way to and from her class, I was listening to the local Christian radio station.  One of my favorite songs aired while we were heading home, and I had to smile as I listened to the familiar lyrics, thinking about how well they fit with my blog post for today.  The Newsboys happen to be one of my all-time favorite Christian bands.  Their song Shine is one that is well-known among Christian circles, and I’m sure it has even been heard some in secular circles.  I’d like to share it with you now.

The chorus says it all!

Shine
Make ´em wonder what you´ve got
Make ´em wish that they were not
On the outside looking bored
Shine
Let it shine before all men
Let´em see good works, and then
Let ´em glorify the Lord

And with that, I am going to post this and call the young woman God has been laying on my heart for a month now.