We treasure whatever is valuable to us; but they can soon be taken away. Thieves can steal them, water can rust them, small animals and insects can eat them. Even a bank may not protect the value of our money. Wherever we put our valuables they become a liability, a source of anxiety. Although we hope they will give us security, the moment we have them we feel a little insecure.

That is the nature of this world. It is temporary: we cannot trust anything to be permanent. One day it will pass away and before then: we will too. However that does not mean that we should not plant and reap crops, manufacture and sell goods, and market services. Although they are temporary they have the everyday function of feeding ourselves and our families. However we cannot keep any of our assets for ever (Haggai 1:6). They are designed to be used because they cannot be stored indefinitely. Indeed, whatever we do for ourselves will ultimately be a disappointment; and even if we succeed for a while, either our riches will leave us or we will leave them. In addition, the love of wealth is a great evil distracting us from serving our God (1 Timothy 6:10).

Jesus said that heaven is full of treasures which can never spoil or fade. He did not mean gold or Olympic medals, but the fruit of our loving relationship with God. He honours people who love and serve Him, and keeps all His rewards in heaven as part of our inheritance in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-6). We cannot take it with us but it will be waiting for us. That is why Jesus rebuked the religious leaders who sought praise from people for their giving, praying and fasting: He said they have already had their reward on earth, and there will be no reward in heaven (Matthew 6:1,5,16). The problem was not in their actions but in the motives of their hearts - they wanted to please human beings rather than please God.

The things we treasure are easy to identify. They are found wherever we spend our time, thoughts, money and energy. So where does pleasing God and serving Him come in the priority list? C.T.Studd, the British cricketer and missionary to China, India and Africa wrote a poem with the refrain, "Only one life, 'twill soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last." He was right, and as a consequence his life was amazingly fruitful for God's kingdom. What about yours?