Pastor Rick Warren once said, “The way you store up treasure in heaven is by investing in getting people there.”

That’s a powerful statement—and it raises an important question: What does it really mean to store up treasure in heaven?

Jesus speaks directly to this in Matthew 6:20, where He says, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

That word “treasure” is striking. In Greek, the word is thēsauros—the same root from which we get the word “treasury.” It describes something stored safely for the future. But Jesus isn’t describing a spiritual savings account filled with gold and silver. He’s pointing to the lasting fruit of a life lived in alignment with God’s Kingdom.

Notice that Jesus doesn’t say, “Don’t have treasure.” He says, “Store your treasure in heaven.” In other words, what we invest in God’s purposes today carries eternal significance.

What Are Eternal Rewards?

In 1 Timothy 6:18–19, Paul writes that believers are “to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”

That final phrase matters: “that which is truly life.”

The reward is not merely something we receive later. It is the fullness of life that comes from walking in step with Christ—now and forever.

The early church understood this well. Augustine wrote in The City of God, “God Himself, who is the author of virtue, shall there be its reward, for as there is nothing greater or better, He has promised Himself.”

In other words, the greatest reward of eternity is not something we possess, but Someone we know.

That is the heart of eternal rewards: deeper fellowship with God, fuller participation in His Kingdom, and the joy of seeing His work unfold through our lives.

Money Reveals What We Treasure

This is where our finances come in. Jesus often connected money to an eternal perspective because it reveals what we value.

When we give generously, serve faithfully, and steward wisely, we are investing in something that lasts beyond the temporary. We are declaring that our hope is not in wealth, comfort, or control, but in God Himself.

In Luke 16:11, Jesus says, “If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?”

In other words, how we manage earthly resources reflects whether our hearts are ready for something far greater.

Every act of generosity, every decision to trust God rather than money, every sacrifice made for His Kingdom becomes part of a story that continues into eternity.

God’s Rewards Are Gifts of Grace

Here’s the beautiful truth: God’s rewards are never wages. They are gifts.

Scripture does not teach that we earn God’s favor through generosity or faithful stewardship. Rather, God rewards His people because He is generous in grace. He chooses to reward the very faithfulness He produces in us.

That reveals something remarkable about our Father. No matter what we have or do not have in this world, because we belong to Him, He promises to entrust us with the true riches of His Kingdom.

That is what it means to store up treasure in heaven. Instead of investing everything in what is temporary, we place our lives, our resources, and our trust into the hands of the One who is the very source of heaven and earth.

It’s not about building a spiritual portfolio. It’s about orienting our hearts toward God Himself.

Living Today in Light of Eternity

Life with God has never been about accumulating more. It has always been about knowing Him, trusting Him, and sharing in His purposes.

So the real question is not, “What do I get in heaven?”

The better question is, “How can I live today in light of eternity?”

Because one day, every faithful steward will hear the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 25:21—words that will fill every believer’s heart with awe and joy:

“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master.”

A Resource to Help You Live with Eternal Perspective

If you’ve ever wondered how to live with that kind of eternal perspective day by day, we walk through it in our new devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship.

It’s designed to help you view every part of your financial life—saving, giving, planning, and investing—through the lens of eternity as you learn to treasure Christ above all else.

You can pick up your copy today, or place a bulk order for your church or small group, at FaithFi.com/Shop.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

I have an old individual retirement account that was purchased in 1987 and matured in 1990. I’ve been receiving letters from agencies offering to help me cash it out for a fee, but I still have the original receipt. What’s the best way to access the money? Can I transfer it to another traditional IRA or convert it to a Roth?
I’m calling on behalf of my daughter about my two-year-old granddaughter. They’d like to set aside about $1,000 a year until she’s 18 or 20, but they’re unsure whether to use a 529 in case she doesn’t attend college. They also want to be careful about putting money directly in the child’s name. What’s the best way to invest and structure this?
I have about $4,300 in debt, including $4,000 on a credit card. What’s the best way to handle it—should I use a balance transfer card or take a loan from my 401(k)?
I have about $1,000 of extra margin each month. My emergency fund is fully funded, and I’ve paid off all consumer debt except my home. Should I use that extra money to invest more, give more, or pay down my mortgage faster?

Resources Mentioned:

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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