Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves brake in and steal.   But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-21).

I have on occasion allowed myself to imagine what it would be like to win the lottery.  Just visualize new cars, houses, the latest computers, cell phones that take great pictures, extravagant vacations, the fastest internet connections, eating out at the finest restaurants and all the things that go with these luxuries. In the words of the above verses Jesus is offering us a clarifying perspective. 

Jesus explains the futility of concentrating on earthly treasures.  They are temporary and can be easily lost, whereas, treasures in heaven are safe and last forever.  We can focus all of our thoughts and energy on earthly treasures, or we can focus on our eternal life in heaven.  This earthly life last for a few short years.  Eternal life lasts, well, forever.

Jesus paid a dear price for us to have the option of choosing between the kingdom of this dark world, and the kingdom of heaven.  We can choose the temporal or the eternal.  The temptations of this world are strong, but the things of this world pale in comparison to the things of God’s eternal kingdom.