What Will Happen to All My Stuff?

What is something that can never be destroyed? Wood and clothes both rot away. Rocks can be crushed and metal will rust. Some things will last longer than others, but everything will eventually decay.

In the Bible, Jesus warned His followers to not make the things they could see, touch and feel the most important things in their lives. He knew those things are temporary and would not last.

Let’s see what Jesus said to His disciples. Can you help me find Matthew 6, verse 19? The book of Matthew is in the New Testament.

What do you think the treasure is that Jesus is talking about?

A treasure is something valuable or very important to someone. Jesus said the treasure we gather here on Earth is temporary. The things we have won’t last forever. Can you think of a treasure you have that will not last forever? 

As adults, we often treasure money and work to get more and more. When we are younger, we may want more things, the newest toy or game, the trendiest clothes or the most friends.

Whether we treasure a toy or money or clothes, they are all temporary. The status we think we have on social media will not go on forever. The money we earn will one day run out. The toys we own will break, or we’ll get bored with them.

Getting more things and making more money will not make us happier. The world tells us we need the newest toy, more followers, the latest upgrade and definitely more money. But God has a better plan that will bring us much more joy.

So what is God’s plan? What should we do instead of working hard to collect more and more stuff? Let’s read what Jesus said in the next verse, Matthew 6:20.

“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

When we lay up for ourselves treasure on Earth, we miss the treasure God has for us. God wants us to focus on the things that are eternal, the things that last forever and will never be destroyed. Those are the things that will bring us real, lasting joy.

What can we treasure more than the things we own or the money we spend? We can treasure people. People are made in God’s image, and we can use our time and money to serve and love them well. We can pray for them, love them and find ways to serve them. We can also treasure God’s Word. We can spend time learning God’s Word at church or at home, and reading it so we can learn more about Him! When we invest in those things, our treasure is in heaven and we are rich in God.

What do you treasure that competes for God’s attention in your life? How does God want you to use the things you have to invest in treasures in heaven?