Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Matthew 6:19 and 20
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Moth, rust and thieves
Wealth looked different then: fine clothing that moths could get into, or stores of food that could spoil. Where translations say 'rust', the Greek word actually means 'eating': anything that slowly eats away. And burglars simply dug through walls of stone and clay.
His listeners already knew the image of treasure kept with God. Earlier Jewish writings, such as Tobit and Sirach, called giving to the poor a treasure you store up for later. In Luke, Jesus links the two as well: giving alms builds up a treasure in heaven. What you give away, you do not lose.
Question for today
What am I anxiously hanging on to that I would do better to give away?
Prayer
Lord, I often cling tightly to what I have. Open my hands to those in need. Amen.
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