God does much for us that we can’t do for ourselves, but here is something we must do ourselves and we do it “for” ourselves. When some people think of Christianity all they think about is what it will cost them, what they have to give up. They are so focused on the giving that they forget about the getting. Indeed the Bible does speak about the need for us to give– Jesus didn’t pull any punches when He spoke of the demands of discipleship. He said, “..whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). But we must never forget that the value of what is gained far exceeds the cost of what is given! That’s why some speak about “banking in heaven” and “making eternal investments”. As the old song says, “It pays to serve Jesus“.
It is noteworthy that Jesus said, “lay up for yourselves”. Isn’t that great! This is proof that Christ is concerned about your welfare and that it is okay for you to be concerned about it. The key is that we are to lay up “treasures in heaven“, not on earth. The treasures on earth shall all pass away. You will lose them because they will pass from your grasp or you will leave then because you pass– either way, you can’t take them with you. That’s why you don’t see a hearse pulling a U-haul trailer or pockets in a shroud. The only things you will have after you die are the treasures you laid up in heaven.
The famous missionary C. T. Studd said, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last!” Every time you do something for Christ you do something for yourself. When you are faithful to Christ you are doing what is best for yourself. So, be good to yourself! Missionary Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose”.
