Heavenly Treasure by I. H. Evans

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 18, 1908

Heavenly Treasure

By I. H. Evans

WHEN Christ uttered the words, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,” he made a statement which has been repeated in all succeeding ages. Our own experience has verified its truthfulness. The lives of all our friends and acquaintances demonstrate in its behalf. The whole realm of human knowledge bears testimony that, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Christ did not wish his people to set their affections upon this earth. Here are thieves and moth and rust. Here riches take to themselves wings and fly away. These things are not worthy the affections of God’s children.

Said the Master, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.” On another important occasion he said, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” To the rich young man, who asked the way of eternal life, the Master said, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” Again, he said, “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.”

These texts show two things,—the vanity of earthly riches when one’s heart is set on them, and the value of treasure laid up in

The heavenly treasure seems to be partly, at least, like the treasures of earth. Earthly treasures properly used prove to be treasures laid up in heaven. It is impossible for us to take our money there, and make an actual deposit in the bank of heaven. This God neither expects nor requires. But a way of transferring the treasures of earth to heaven has been provided by the Lord. Here on earth we are to care for God’s poor, the orphans, the aged, the widow, and the unfortunate. What we do for our fellow men is reckoned as treasure laid up in heaven.

The gospel message is the greatest boon God ever gave to mortals. The blessing which the third angel’s message has been to us, it may be to others. It has made us a temperance people. It has dimmed the present enjoyments of earth, while the future, eternal glory is radiant with hope.

The treasures of earth are prized only as they supply our daily needs, and can be transferred to heaven. God’s people should be rich in heavenly treasure. No thief can steal that treasure, no fire destroy, and time will never cause it to decay. Week by week we are earnestly entreated to send a portion of our earthly treasure on to heaven. Ten cents a week is not much, but it is something, and God’s blessing can make it more.

The midsummer offering is at hand. July 4 will be another ingathering day, when each can do something in laying up treasure in heaven. How much will you place in heaven’s store-house? God lives, and his eye is over his work. Let us bring an offering such as we wish placed to our account in glory. I. H. EVANS.