Just wondering. If we do something good here on Earth to try and earn a blessing, it won’t work. Does the same concept apply when giving for the direct purpose of storing up treasure in Heaven?
In 1 Cor. 4:5 Paul wrote that at the bema seat judgment the Lord would bring to light the hidden motives of our heart when evaluating our “good” works on Earth. Doing something just for the purpose of earning a blessing denotes selfishness and will be disqualified. The only acceptable motive is gratitude for what the Lord has done for us.
Storing up treasure in Heaven is different in that it’s something the Lord specifically commanded us to do (Matt. 6:19-21). He was speaking of using our financial resources in such a way that we’ll be building up assets in heaven, such as giving to the various needs of the poor, instead of keeping them for ourselves so we can build up assets on earth.
This concept is contrary to human nature and is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s working in our life. It prompted at least one commentator to say, “It’s true you can’t take it with you, but you can send it up ahead.” Think about it.