Treasures in Heaven

“Stop collecting treasures for your own benefit on earth.... Instead, collect treasures for yourselves in heaven... Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” -Matthew 6:19-21

As we enter the Thanksgiving season, we often consider generosity and stewardship. This fall is no exception. Money issues seem to hit all at once. We are being challenged to catch up on donations before the end of this year, the church is considering our planned budget for next year, and we are each being asked to consider what we plan to contribute next year. Many are simply trying to figure out  how to pay the bills already in front of them, keep food on the table and a roof over their heads.

Talking and thinking about money usually makes us anxious. Couples get divorced over money. Churches split over money. Governments and political parties are built around how to collect and use money. We worry about money every day and the power it has over our lives. 

For the next few weeks in worship we will be considering scriptures that share the idea of Treasures in Heaven. These gospel texts also address three specific challenges to generosity and stewardship: worry, grief, and fear. Coupled with these passages is Psalm 51, which calls us to “Let me hear joy and gladness.” Joy and gladness are keys to free and generous stewardship–where we serve God, and our money is properly an agent of that service.