Store up treasures in heaven

It is worth noting how in this Gospel passage, Jesus emphasizes the place and not so much the kind of wealth we are supposed to accumulate. If we store up treasures on earth, thieves can break in and steal, and moths can eat our treasures.

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Whereas in heaven, no thief or moth can reach and destroy our treasure, and so it is eternally secure. Despite this different perspective, we believe that the basic meaning is still the same: that we ought to gather treasures that are spiritual or heavenly rather than material or temporary.

Thus, we would be in the right track if we gathered works of mercy, or tried to help those in need as much as we can, or cultivate virtues like love, compassion, and kindness, rather than collect “treasures” of hatred, indifference, destroying people’s reputation, inflicting physical or emotional harm on others, etc.

These are, so to speak, treasures stored in heaven, and no one can ever steal them, nor they be stolen. Hence, while material wealth can be helpful to us, we are to be careful that they will not hinder our entering into eternal life.