The problem with working for earthly treasures is that they can corrode, and they can be lost or stolen. Jesus gives a better alternative – lay up treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not corrupt and where thieves do not break through and steal. Jesus makes it clear in today’s passage that there is a way to store up treasures that you can keep forever – treasures in Heaven. You will never lose what you have gained in Heaven.

You might say, “I thought eternal life was free and I didn’t have to work for it.” That is true. According to Ephesians 2:10, good works are important in our lives, not to obtain eternal life, but to bring glory to God and to lay up for ourselves treasures in Heaven.

Serving the Lord because we love Him ought to be our number one motivation. But, if He wants to reward us for faithfulness, then we should be excited about that, too. Why does God reward us for faithfulness? As our Creator, He understands motivation. Humans are made to appreciate achievement and to be recognized for that.

We frequently find in Scripture that God is going to reward those that have served Him on this earth. Jesus tells us in Matthew 16:27 that God dispenses fair and just rewards. There are also degrees of punishment for wickedness.

This life is the life that God has allowed us to live for future rewards. You must choose what you will be working for: today, tomorrow, or eternity?