Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
2 Timothy 4:8
In the end there is only one treasure worth having: the praise of God. All other treasures will pass away. Jesus said it in these words: Lay up for yourselves treasure in Heaven where neither most nor rust 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)
They key aspect is the very last sentence. Where will our hearts be? Scripture gives clear warning about loving the world and the things in the world. Everything that is in the world is going to pass away. (I John 2:15-17) If we make the world and what it offers our hopes and dreams, in the end we will end up losing out for all eternity. But when we seek first God and His Kingdom, we will gain everything--treasures that will endure forever.
This is what the Apostle Paul was looking at the end of his life. He had left behind everything that he felt was valuable to himself--which included his self-righteousness and his reputation as a Pharisee of the Pharisees. All that once made him the person with respect, prestige, honor and wealth he left behind to gain Jesus. In fact, he says that he counted it all as garbage so that He could have the only treasure worth having--salvation in Christ. (Philippians 3:7-11). Jesus said the same thing. What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and losses his own soul. (Matthew 16:26)
As we end this series on Treasures in Heaven, let us remembers that we strive to gain the Crown of Righteousness--the crown that God gives to those who love Him--to those who have trusted in the True Treasure of Heaven--Jesus. Everything we could ever want or ever need is found in Him. Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has entered into the heart of man the things that God has prepared for those who love Him. (I Corinthians 2:9) What an amazing promise! What a glorious future awaits those who have placed their trust in Jesus!
Blessings to you!
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