Biblical Insights

Whether by phone, email, text message, or just old-fashioned conversation, one of the questions I am most often asked is, “How’s your work going?” In giving my answer, I don’t type or talk very long before mentioning the fine men of God who serve as shepherds at Southside.  They make “my work” much easier.

Something I have always appreciated about our elders is that they invite the preachers to their monthly meetings. I suppose the primary purpose in this is to aid our preaching to the current needs of the congregation. But it has also given me the opportunity to see firsthand the most common concern and frustration of their work: straying sheep.

Sadly, the majority of nearly every elders meeting is spent trying to find new ways to encourage folks who don’t attend the services regularly. As individuals and as a congregation, we have set goals to be more evangelistic, to look out into the fields and bring the lost to the Lord. But our own leaders can’t concentrate on inviting outsiders to the services because…they have to devote much of their time finding out why their own members aren’t coming.

If people only knew what they miss when they miss the services…

You Miss the Privilege of Praise

Sometimes, our language reflects that we don’t see worship in this way. When invited to a Sunday morning golf game or a Wednesday night movie, a common response is, “I HAVE to go to church.” This is often said with the same enthusiasm of, “I have to go to the dentist” or “I have to get the oil changed.” In other words, “If it were up to me, I’d do something else.” One preacher commented that the congregation where he worked suffered from a drug problem. That is, they all looked like they had been drug through the doors every time they assembled.  Worship ought to be viewed as our privilege.

Israel sang, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’” (Ps. 122:1). That was one of their Song of Ascents, a Psalm that they sang as they climbed Mount Zion to go to Jerusalem and worship. They were glad to do it in response to all that God had done for them. How much more should we, recipients of the blood of Christ, be willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to commemorate His death and offer our thanksgiving and praise for His love. Remember, Jesus didn’t HAVE to go to cross for you.

You Miss the Opportunity to Overcome

The worship service is our escape from the world. It is our haven. In fact, we often pray during the assembly that the Lord will help us “put away the thoughts and cares of the world and concentrate on what we are doing.” Have you ever come to services tired or worried or discouraged, feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders? And afterward, on the way to the car, you said to yourself, “I’m sure glad I came.” That’s what worship is supposed to do.

In the context of “not forsaking our own assembling together,” the writer of Hebrews instructs, “let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Heb.10:24-25).  That implies that one of the byproducts of assembling together is our stimulation and encouragement. When we engage in a spiritual activity with those of like, precious faith, we are assured that we are not alone in our fight. We are given the opportunity to overcome our difficulties instead of being overcome by them.

You Miss the Obligation to Give

Worship has become all about getting. “I didn’t get anything out of that,” says the one who looked like he rolled out of bed and onto the pew. Perhaps the first question ought to be, “what did you give?” What did you give to the Lord? What did you give to your fellow worshipers?  What did you give to the visitor?

Paul wrote that one of the effects of worshiping rightly is that the unbeliever “will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you” (1 Cor.14:24-25). How can you fulfill this duty when you are not there? Why should visitors want to return when they see the empty seats of members who do not value their own responsibilities? It’s not just about you.  You have an obligation to give, which might mean you have to give up some other competing activity or appointment.

The worship service prepares us for what we will do in eternity.  Let us not forsake this little taste of heaven on earth.

It is difficult to be objective about the past half-century of church history because of the emotional attachment one has to his times. After all, these are not “Luther’s times,” or “Campbell’s times,” these are our times. It is true that history happens now and, although is it often imperceptible to us, the reality is there nonetheless. We are living history.  And one day, people will write about attitudes and issues of the 21^st century among churches of Christ. Unless I miss my guess, many of them will be a repeat of past problems because…history repeats itself.

My greatest concern these days is for the current and future generation(s) who have little knowledge of the real issues that caused a divide among brethren during the last five decades.  Our children and grandchildren hear terms like “conservative” and “liberal,” “sound” and “progressive,” but have no idea what they mean. Labels, after all, can become mere words in the mind of the hearer and subject to the scruples and prejudices of the person using them.

Our young people, however, need to know about the real issues that have divided brethren and why not all churches claiming to be “of Christ” are in fact “of Christ.” In certain sections of the country, for example, where there is an abundance of churches of Christ, it is very easy for history to be lost and distinctions to become blurred. As a result, our children know there are differences, but they’re not sure what they are—except that they eat in the building and we don’t.

Elders Overseeing Too Much

Post World War II was a period of great growth among churches of Christ. Churches were moving from “the other side of the tracks” to greater visibility and respectability. There was a growing evangelistic fervor that fueled some churches to take on projects and programs larger than their ability to fund—national radio and TV programs along with foreign evangelistic campaigns. Larger churches appealed to smaller congregations to send them money so that they could “sponsor” the endeavor. The receiving eldership would “oversee” the project.

Some questioned this arrangement. Is it right for elders from one church to control funds for other churches (1 Pet.5:2; 1 Thess.1:8)? And, if one church’s leadership can delegate its funds to the control of another, could they not also delegate other aspects of their work? Where would that stop?

Some argued (and rightfully so) that if God didn’t require an individual to do more than his/her ability (1 Cor.16:1-2), the same principle would be true for churches. For example, if I shouldn’t ask other Christians for donations so that I can give more on the first day, then why should churches do the same—beg for money from other churches so they can spend more than their ability? Since when does God hold an individual or a church responsible for a work greater than their ability to perform?

The bottom line was clear: there was no Bible authority for a “sponsoring church” eldership in evangelism. Elders who presume to do more than their local work violate stated truths regarding the limitation of their oversight. It was wrong then and it still is.

Churches Funding Private Business

By 1960 most “Christian” colleges began to see churches as sources of revenue. Pressure was placed upon congregations to send monthly contributions to colleges like David Lipscomb, Abilene Christian, Freed-Hardeman, Harding, etc.—because, after all, those schools were providing youth with a Bible-based education. Once again, some objected. B. C. Goodpasture (editor of the Gospel Advocate and later the name-sake of a K-12 school in Madison, Tennessee) labeled those who were opposed to churches funding schools as “self-righteous snobs and radicals.” The popular G. C. Brewer said that any preacher who is anti-college-in-the-church-budget must be from the “kingdom of crankdom.” It is amazing that regardless of debate—political or religious—when one side or the other is without valid argumentation, rest assured the name-calling will commence. It deflects the issue and prejudices the hearer—and that is always its intent.

If Christians want to go into business together and run a school or a grocery store, what difference does it make? It doesn’t. What does make a difference is when brethren begin private business enterprises and then place such on the back of churches. It is not the work of the church to underwrite private business. It was wrong then and it still is.

At the same time that colleges were attaching themselves to churches, others were doing the same with humanitarian enterprises. The issue was never—do homes for orphans or the aged have a right to exist and/or do they perform legitimate functions. The issue was—do churches have a right to fund private businesses regardless of the good they do? There is an obvious difference between the church purchasing goods/services to fulfill God-given duties (paying an electric bill for the church building and/or paying a hospital bill for a needy saint) and underwriting private enterprises (making monthly contributions to the electric company and/or hospital).

In 2001 my wife and I opened a coffee shop—a dream come true (for her). Coffee, Cake, and Candles was a private business venture owned and managed by Christians. It provided a legitimate service, employed Christians, and serviced the community. Doors of opportunities for Bible studies as well as invites to customers and business connections were plenty. Question:  Was it right for us to appeal to churches to help finance our endeavor? You know the answer.  Yet the principle is no different when it comes to Christians running educational or benevolent businesses and asking churches to finance them. It was wrong then and it still is.

The Social Gospel is More Fun

The last half-century has also seen churches “of Christ” get involved in every kind of entertainment promotion you can think of. What began as “fellowship” halls to facilitate indoor potlucks during the winter months has evolved into family-life centers and gymnasiums complete with the latest workout equipment to exercise the whole man. In that regard, churches of Christ have kept pace with their Baptist neighbors in the promotion of the social gospel—with full-blown YMCA-type facilities.

The issue was not about “eating in the church building.” I am amazed at those who pack a lunch for a Saturday “workday,” but refuse to eat it inside the building. Of course, they eat it outside on the parking lot—which is hardly consistent. What people did years ago in horse-and-buggy days with dinner-on-the-ground (or inside during winter months) violated nothing. Sure, they had houses to eat in (1 Cor.11:22), but they were a long way from those houses. The purpose of gathering was to worship while their eating and socializing was incidental and natural to their coming together. What is interesting (and as inconsistent as the point made above) is the attempt of those today that seek to justify gymnasiums, youth parties, and every kind of entertainment to the “dinner-on-the-ground” days of yesteryear. It is hardly comparable. The social gospel—it was wrong when churches began to turn in that direction and it still is.

Last time I checked Scripture, God’s church is on a spiritual quest. Our mission is higher and nobler than recreation and entertainment (Rom.14:17). There is a place for that and God has well suited another institution (the home) for its provision. Believe it or not, churches can function biblically in today’s world and grow without the add-ons of man. True, the Lord’s people will never appeal to the mega-church crowd in search of one-stop, baby-sitting, teen entertaining, adult feel-good religion of positive thinking. But to those in search of spiritual truth and application, to those who long for a place where kids can learn the stories and morals of the Bible, and to those who seek to worship according to Scripture and with great passion and emotion—there is such a place. It’s called the New Testament church of Jesus Christ.

Do Your Kids Understand?

What will the next fifty years bring? I venture to say that many churches will continue to advance culture above Scripture with (1) more women in leadership, (2) instrumental music, and (3) worship on Saturday nights. It’s coming slowly—but surely. In the meantime, it is essential that we help our children understand that the questions and concerns are real. Please do not allow them to blur the distinction between the church belonging to Christ and “the church of Christ denomination.” There is too much at stake.

And there arose a generation after them who did not know the Lord. (Judges 2:10)

The news is filled with one story after another about the economic recession. The President and Congress have passed a second bailout plan and people everywhere are discussing stocks, unemployment, taxes, tax breaks, economic downturns, foreclosure, bailout, etc. We are surrounded by stories of financial “gloom and doom.”

One recurring theme seems to be, “Were you prepared for the economic hardship?” or “Are you prepared for more economic hardship?” The thought behind the questions obviously are focused on earthly concerns. Can you survive six months or a year of financial hard times? Do you have the savings to get you through a period of unemployment? Have you spent and borrowed wisely so you are not in danger of losing your home or other assets?

One wonders what the spiritual applications may be. I’ve witnessed numerous discussions between Christians about the economy. The majority of the talk centers on physical and earthly consequences. I wonder why we don’t consider the ramifications of these times on the church and spiritual opportunities. Are we ready for an economic recession as God’s people?

Are We Ready to Bear the Burdens of Our Brethren?

The principle of burden bearing in Galatians 6 is generally limited to spiritual burdens. What about physical burdens? Shouldn’t we carry that load as well? Paul wrote, “…as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (6:10). This passage, in contrast to v.1, is almost always applied to physical things. A true economic recession is no respecter of persons. It affects God’s people, too.

The Jerusalem church provides an excellent model. In Acts 2, the church begins with a massive conversion of three thousand. Many of those were from other countries and elected to remain in Jerusalem. There was an obvious obstacle to that decision—their jobs, homes, and other provisions were not there. The church provided the solution. Brethren sold their possessions and provided for those who were in need (2:45). This continues as some donated profits from selling off land to provide for their brethren (4:36–37; 5:1–10). Benevolent care of widows was also present in the early church (6:1–7). The church in Jerusalem cared for each other by bearing their financial burdens. Are we ready to do the same?

Jesus said the world would know us if we love one another (John 13:34–35). John later wrote that true love is seen in action, not speech. He specifically asks, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” (1 John 3:17). James compared those who refused to give food and clothing to needy brethren as having dead faith (2:14–17).

Are we prepared to assist our brethren? If a brother loses his house, will we open our home to him? If he loses his job, will we provide for him? If a sister loses her transportation and we have two cars, will we allow her the use of one? If we love our brethren, the questions are answered.

Are Churches Prepared to Unite if Necessary?

One real consequence of economic hardship is the effect it has on churches. The work of the church is dependent on the collection from the saints. That contribution may decrease as times become more difficult. What is the solution?

Most cities have multiple congregations. Some churches meet within minutes of one another and often the division is not based on doctrinal matters, but personality conflicts. Other instances may be the result of history from a time prior to the invention of automobiles where traveling a few miles was more difficult. If economic hardship causes two works close by to struggle financially, what is the obvious solution? Unity!

Are congregations prepared to settle their differences or lay aside their history to unite for a greater cause? If two works cannot survive because of economic hardship, it is likely one united work could. Certainly there are questions that arise from such arrangements concerning property, treasuries, etc. But the questions can easily be handled if we seek God’s counsel and wisdom.

God’s people are to be a united. Jesus prayed, “…that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also maybe be in us, so that they world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21). The world believes we are God’s people when we love one another and are united. When we refuse to seek unity to the extreme of two close works dying out first, have we shown unity?

Are We Prepared to Receive Help?

Often brethren refuse to accept benevolent help because of pride. Paul encouraged the Corinthians to assist those in need (2 Cor.8:13–14), but he also tells them that they may need to receive the same in the future. Paul is describing God’s plan for providing for one another. We must, however, find humility and accept help that is offered. We do this for two reasons: (1) it is God’s plan, and (2) it allows our brethren to exercise their faith and show their love for us. Who are we to deny them that opportunity? Will we humble ourselves and be gracious receivers?

Are We Prepared to Use This Opportunity to Teach?

People are suffering and hurting. Many are anxious because the “security” they had in their jobs, investments, and assets is not as secure as they thought. This is an opportunity for us to show them true eternal security (Matt.6:19–21; Col.3:1–2). What better way to demonstrate that “This World is Not My Home?” We have an opportunity to share the glorious treasure of heaven with people who are hurting because of the troubles of this world. Are we prepared?

Economic hardship shouldn’t be troubling to God’s people. We have the opportunity to show brotherly love, display our working faith, exercising unity, and teach the lost. Perhaps instead of worrying about the economy we should give thanks for it!

We have lost a lot of young people to the world, reflecting a failure on the part of the church and the home. I have posed the question to many Christians as to what training or preparation for marriage they have received. Better still, what were they taught as to the traits to look for in choosing a mate? Most replied that they received little or no instruction. If that is the case, why are we surprised when our young people make poor choices in marriage and often leave Christ? Should this not be a priority when we teach them, or do we simply leave it to chance or allow their hearts to be filled with wrong ideas about marriage?

This list is not perfect, but hopefully will provide some guidelines to help young people make better choices. Outside of becoming a disciple of Christ, the choice of a mate affects our lives more than any decision we make in life.

I compiled these lists with help from Christians. These lists are indeed idealistic in some respects but are designed to be practical as well. Some negative characteristics are to be avoided altogether and should immediately cause a “red flag” to go up in the mind, while others are not as critical. The purpose is to provide young people with guidelines in choosing a mate rather than acting out of emotion or physical attraction.

There is no such thing as a “perfect” spouse nor am I suggesting that such can be found. My advice to young people is this: take your time and do not rush into a premature decision. It is better not to marry than to marry the wrong person.

General Qualities

1. Marry a Christian. If a Christian marries a non-Christian, they do not share the common values in Christ. God does recognize a marriage to an unbeliever (1 Cor.7:12-16; 1 Pet.3:1-2), but such a relationship will present problems that could otherwise be avoided (1 Cor.7:39; 9:5; 1 Pet. 3:7).
2. Marry one who wants children (Ps.127:3-5; Prov.31:28; Mal.2:15; Gen.9:1; 1 Tim. 2:15).  Marriage is God’s way of multiplying the human race, but He wants godly offspring. Before you marry, discuss this subject and…discuss how the children are to be raised. Such things should not be taken for granted, as it will seriously affect the marriage relationship.
3. Marry a virgin (S. of Sol.4:12; Gen. 2:23-24). Examine Bible verses that stress virginity and see the implications. For example, a priest could only marry a virgin (Lev.21:7-15). Lawful sex pertains to the marriage relationship, and outside of that relationship it is forbidden—including pre-marital sex (S. of Sol. 2:7; 8:4). Abstinence before marriage is the wise and godly choice.  This does not mean that such sins cannot be forgiven and marriage is no longer an option.
4. Marry one who is honest (Prov.11:1; 13:11). Honesty is a basic measure of character. If a person is not honest, that person cannot be depended upon in any area of life.
5. Marry one who will be faithful to the relationship (Prov.2:16-19; 5:3-14; 6:24-33; 7:6-23). Marriage is a covenant relationship (Mal.2:14-16) and must be respected. Question: Can marriage survive infidelity? Yes, but there has to be genuine repentance and forgiveness. There is a difference in having the right to divorce because of infidelity and divorce being required. We should work to keep marriages intact.
6. Marry one who isn’t lazy. This pertains to men and women (Prov.24:30-34; 31:27; 2 Thess.3:10). Laziness leads to poverty, dishonesty, and other bad traits.
7. Marry one who is a good listener. Good communication is a key to a happy marriage. One cannot consider the needs of others unless he/she is willing to listen (James 1:19). This is how we show that we care. Beware of those who desire only to hear themselves.
8. Marry one who exhibits love for others (1 Cor.13:4-7).
9. Marry one whom you love and who loves you (S. of Sol. 8:6-7; Eph.5:25-29, 33; Titus 2:4).
10. Marry one who is considerate. The opposite is to be crude and rude (1 Sam.25:3,25). This trait comes from an attitude of putting others ahead of self (Phil.2:3).
11. Do not marry someone who is guilty of physical or mental abuse (Prov.27:3-4). Ignoring such conduct does not solve the problem. Many wives who are married to abusive husbands become “codependent” and live in fear and misery.
12. Do not marry someone who has a temper problem (Prov.19:19; 22:24-25; 27:3). There is no peace for those who associate with such a person.
13. Marry one who has a sense of humor (Prov.17:22). Don’t take yourself so seriously that you lose your sense of humor. Godly humor is not designed to harm or put down others, but is designed to reduce tension, is appropriate to the occasion, and keeps sadness from becoming overwhelming.
14. Marry one with whom you share common backgrounds and interests. The more people have in common, the easier the adjustments will be in marriage.
15. Do not marry someone addicted to drugs or alcohol. Sometimes people get married thinking that love conquers all, or that they will rescue or reform their mate. If such people will not change before marriage, what makes you think they will change after marriage?
16. Marry one who can forgive and accept forgiveness. This is part of what it means to love others.
17. Marry one who can accept correction or criticism (Prov.12:1; 13:18). This requires humility and the ability to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.
18. Marry a friend (Prov.17:17; 18:24). Your mate should be someone with whom you can confide and open your heart; one who always has your best interest in mind (S. of Sol. 5:16).
19. Marry one who is financially responsible. Money issues are a leading reason for divorce.
20. Marry one who practices good hygiene. Cleanliness is something that we do for others and not just for ourselves. If one is sloppy in appearance, it will be reflected in other things as well.
21. Marry one who is an optimistic and joyful (Prov.18:14; Phil.4:4-7, 11-13).
22. Marry one who has good self-esteem (S. of Sol.1:5; 2:1). The Bible teaches that we cannot love others if we do not love ourselves (Matt.22:39; Eph. 5:28-30).
23. Marry one who shares the same moral and spiritual values. Someone who defends homosexuality or accepts the doctrines of humanism has no common ground with a Christian (2 Cor.6:14-19).
24. Marry one who is a good example to others (1 Tim.4:8-12). Good character should top any list.
25. Do not marry one simply for looks (Prov.11:22; 31:30). To be good looking, a good athlete, a powerful king, or a good lover is no substitute for true love that lasts.

Additional Qualities Sought by a Young Woman:

1. Chose a leader. This does not mean a domineering man. He needs to take into consideration his wife’s advice and needs, but is able to make final decisions and take responsibility for them. He understands that some matters need to be turned over to his wife (Prov.31:10ff). For example, a woman ought to have the right to make decisions that pertain to her domestic role in the home. The husband must understand that he must submit to his head—Christ. Male leadership in the church, for example, is first developed in the home (1 Tim. 3:2,5).
2. Chose a good provider (1 Tim.5:8; 2 Thess.3:10b). Since the man is the head of the family, he should be diligent in work (Gen.3:17b-19). Since marriage is a partnership, this does not fall exclusively upon the male (Prov.31:10ff). Special instructions given to widows imply that women are to be diligent also (1 Tim.5:14-16).
3. Chose a protector. He must be willing to lay down his life for you (Eph.5:25).

Additional Qualities Sought by a Young Man:

1. Chose a good mother—a person who loves children (1 Tim.2:15; 5:14;  Titus 2:4).
2. Chose a person of character. The way a woman dresses reflects her character. Does she put herself on display by showing an inordinate emphasis upon looks? God’s woman is to reflect modesty along with a meek and quite spirit.
3. Chose one who enjoys being a woman and rejoices in her God-given feminine traits.

It’s hard to know when and how—when to take a stand and exactly how to do it. And while I have no intention of using Biblical Insights to tell anyone they have to follow my conscience about anything, I do plan on using any medium available to teach biblical truth when and where I see the need.

I am concerned about young people. I am concerned that some, at the most impressionable age of life, are taken in by those feeding on a natural youthful disdain for authority—and segway that into an environment of disrespect for biblical authority—from instrumental music (“swallowing camels”) to abuses with the Supper (“they eat bread, drink a bit, eat more bread, drink a bit more . . .”), to very loose blogs about drinking (“only drinking in excess is forbidden” in Scripture).

Over the past few months I have read blog after blog on pleonast (an Internet blog site for young Christians) and have been amazed at the lack of respect for God’s authority. And that’s what it’s all about. Do we do things out of man-tradition (“c of C tradition”) or out of respect for biblical teaching?

Some things are man-traditional. Just because a group does something different does not make it wrong. Much of what occurs when God’s people assemble involves human judgment and tradition. Let us not be so bound by man-tradition that we fail to see it for what it is. On the other hand, it is imperative that we recognize and respect God’s tradition (“patternism”—as one blog writer described it sarcastically). When Paul wrote the Thessalonians he reminded them of the necessity of adhering to Heaven’s “patternism”—“Brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us” (2 Thess. 2:15). The admonition to respect apostolic authority is binding on every church that is of Christ.

The argument that “we just do a few things differently” is a smokescreen. It’s not about things done differently (from man’s tradition) but a disrespectful attitude for apostolic teaching.

For example, when women address the assembled church at the Lord’s Supper, I believe that is sinful. To argue that it is the same as a Bible class is a misnomer. First, the Supper is to be taken when the church has come together (1 Cor. 11:20, 33–34). Second, when the church is together, the women are not to speak (lead the assembly). Paul was plain. The idea of dividing into groups and discussing the Memorial and then appointing spokesman/woman to address the church mimics the meanderings of John Mark Hicks (Come to the Table) more than anything else.

It centers on one thing: respect for authority. The disdain expressed by some toward CENI (command, example, necessary inference) is amazing. I have asked for an alternative to understanding biblical authority, but none has been forthcoming. Nor will it be. If CENI is to be rejected, how do you determine the following practices are wrong: 1) praying to Mary, 2) sprinkling for baptism, 3) dancing in the assembly, 4) pizza on the Lord’s Table, etc.? If there is a better way to determine what God wants us to do, what is it?

I’ve asked these writers to help us see what the real problems are. They have done their work well. Please read carefully and with an open mind. Thanks . . .

Perhaps you have heard the phrase, “money talks!” So do one’s treasures! In Matthew 6:19‑24, Jesus speaks to disciples about their treasures . . . along with their hearts, their spiritual vision, and their devotion. It’s a tale of two treasures.

Jesus admonishes His disciples: “lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth” (v. 19). “Earthly treasures” represent the things people count valuable on earth—lavish and expensive clothing, money, precious metals, land, houses, etc.

“To lay up” earthly treasures suggests that one seeks to amass these things, hoard them, and place them in reserve. One amasses and hoards because he loves things and trusts in them.

A Vow of Poverty?

When Jesus said, “lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth,” He was not teaching that to be a faithful disciple one must take a “vow of poverty,” be ascetic toward the good things of life, or never give thought to any future earthly need. Neither was Jesus condemning all who are rich. The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us that one should “enjoy the good of all his labour . . . for it is his portion” (5:18). Solomon and Agur taught that the ant was wise to work through the summer and store up food for the winter (Prov. 6:6; 30:25). Furthermore, Jesus admits that while it may be hard for a rich man to enter heaven, it is certainly possible with the help of God (Matt. 19:23‑26).

Jesus’ admonition is a warning against “the love of money” (1 Tim. 6:10), covetousness (Luke 12:15), a misplaced trust (1 Tim. 6:17), and a lack of trust in God (Matt. 6:25‑34). He is condemning any who “lay up treasures for him/herself and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21). Hence, He continued: “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:20).

Heavenly treasures are one’s works and labors of love done in God’s name for which God will bless and reward (Luke 14:13‑14). One way to “lay up heavenly treasures” is to “make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations” (Luke 16:9). Jesus told the rich young ruler, “go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven . . .” (Matt. 19:21). Jesus is not concerned with the amount of wealth one has; He is concerned with one’s attitude toward wealth and how one uses it. Don’t hoard riches while here on earth; invest them in Heaven.

A Glaring Difference

Jesus’ words alert us to glaring differences between earthly treasures and heavenly treasures. Earthly treasures are unsecured—“moth and rust” can corrupt them and thieves can steal them (Matt. 6:19); they can be consumed, tarnished, destroyed, and taken away. Heavenly treasures are secure—they are untouched by moths, rust, and thieves (v. 20); they cannot be consumed, tarnished, destroyed, or stolen from one by men. Earthly treasures are earthly, hence temporal. Heavenly treasures are eternal. Only what is done for Christ will last!

One’s heart is not unaffected by one’s treasures. Jesus plainly said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (v. 21). If one lays up earthly treasures, it means one’s heart is set on things on the earth. If one lays up heavenly treasures, it means one’s affections are rightly set on things above (Col. 3:2).

If you choose to “lay up earthly treasures” instead of “heavenly treasures,” it means your spiritual perception is darkened or distorted, and you are blinded by the god of this world (2 Cor. 10:4). How could anyone whose mind’s eye can see clearly choose that which is earthly over the heavenly, or the temporal instead of the eternal? Hence Jesus instructs, “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” (v. 22). We need to keep our spiritual eye “single,” or sound and focused on Heaven.

Exclusive Devotion

One’s treasures declare his master, too—God or riches. Some mistakenly think they can lay up earthly treasures for themselves and at the same time lay up heavenly treasures; they can’t! Jesus affirmed, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (v. 24). One must lay up heavenly treasures and be exclusively devoted to God.

Choose your treasures carefully—your heart, eyes, and allegiance are there also.