Did you know that potatoes,carrots, red beets, onions and other root crops that grow under the ground are like hidden treasures? While they are growing underground they are like a buried treasure.
In early summer around the middle of June, I can’t wait to see if there are any little red potatoes growing under that green leafy plant. I will cautiously loosen the dirt underneath the plant to find some evidence of the harvest that is still yet to come. I will usually find enough small potatoes that will suffice for a meal. They are a tasty treasure.
We also have hidden treasures growing underground where no one can see. We are storing up treasures in heaven by our daily deeds.
In Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus spoke to us that treasure here on this earth can rust, be eaten by moths, and thieves can break in and steal it. Last week a couple told me how their valuable coins that were stored in a safe box in the bank were stolen! We think if it’s in the bank, it is safe. Our clothes don’t last, our cars rust, and things can be stolen but what we store in heaven is secure.
So what are the treasures that we store in heaven? It sounds kind of like an investment that we make for the future. Investing in people is one way.
This became real to me when I was in the middle of caring for my children. I was bathing the toddlers one evening and feeling rather exhausted. The question came to my mind, “What impact am I having in the world?” Then the Holy Spirit brought to my mind these verses from Matthew. My children were treasures!
I could be working and making money to buy clothes, nicer furniture or cars but those things would all wear out and have no lasting value. In this season of life, I was investing my life in the children that the Lord had given us.
Just like the root crops that are growing underground, we can’t see the total picture of what God has in mind for our children. We might have a glimpse as we search for the precious fruit that is growing in their lives until they mature to all the plans God has prepared for them. My husband and I would rejoice when our children made wise choices to follow God’s ways. Those children are now parents investing in their children.
There are many other ways that we store up treasure in heaven. I would love to hear your thoughts on this!