What Really Lasts

"Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven...For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." –Matthew 6:19-21

There's a quiet danger in chasing riches. Not because money itself is evil–it's not. Money is just a tool. It can feed the hungry, house the homeless, and build churches. It can bless others and be a vessel for God's work. But when wealth becomes our god, when it begins to take first place in our hearts, that's when it becomes dangerous.

In Matthew 19, a wealthy young man came to Jesus asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. He had kept the commandments, lived a good life, and was spiritually curious. But when Jesus told him, "Go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me," the man walked away sorrowfully. Why? Because he had great wealth, and his heart was tangled up in it.

Jesus didn't tell everyone to sell everything they had. But He looked into that man's heart and saw what held the throne. It wasn't God–it was his possessions.

Let's be honest: most of us have dreams. A nicer home. A better car. Financial security. There's nothing inherently wrong with those things. But if we're not careful, they start to become our source of joy, our measure of success, our idols. And no matter how much we gather, it never fills us for long. That new thing we hoped would satisfy only soothes us for a moment, and then we're empty again.

Because fulfillment doesn't come from what we have–it comes from who we have.

Only Jesus satisfies. Only He can give us peace that doesn't fade and joy that doesn't depend on our bank account.

And when we stand before Him one day, none of our possessions will matter. We won't take our cars, houses, or bank statements into eternity. The only thing that lasts–the only treasure we can take with us–is the souls we helped bring to Jesus. That is the true inheritance of heaven.

So today, let's ask ourselves: what are we living for? What are we holding onto? Are we building barns of earthly treasures, or are we investing in eternity?

Because at the end of it all, the richest life is the one surrendered fully to Jesus.

Prayer

Jesus, help me hold loosely to the things of this world and tightly to You. I don't want to chase possessions or status–I want to chase You. Teach me to invest in what truly matters and to live with eternity in mind. Amen.