Treasures in Heaven

Recently I’ve found myself returning again and again to this passage: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19–21 ESV)

For me, these verses reflect the heart of our purpose as human beings. A life spent accumulating possessions, chasing achievements, or “making a name for ourselves” is ultimately a hollow one. Our calling is measured by the eternal impact we have on the people around us. Showing kindness, sharing truth, and serving others are the things that bring true fulfillment. Eternal treasures are simply the things done in love that endure beyond our earthly years.

We could devote our whole lives to striving for a sprawling mansion filled with luxurious furniture and a beautiful swimming pool. We could chase the latest designer clothes, the newest gadgets, or that flashy, expensive sports car. I’ve realised how many of the things we pursue are material and so very temporary. We’re going to have to leave them all behind one day.

It leads me to wonder: what is it that truly lasts? What carries eternal weight? And what should I be directing my time and resources toward? Paul’s analogy helps me picture it: “The quality of materials used by anyone building on this foundation will soon be made apparent, whether it has been built with gold, silver, and costly stones, or wood, hay, and straw. Their work will soon become evident, for the Day will make it clear, because it will be revealed by blazing fire… If his work stands the test of fire, he will be rewarded.” (1 Corinthians 3:12–15 TPT)

Scripture tells us that God gives us all things richly to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17), and He does love to prosper us. Yet that prosperity is simply a consequence of following Him, not the goal itself. I don’t believe we were created to chase earthly definitions of success, nor do I think that having—or lacking—those things says very much about our lives. Lasting meaning is found in pursuing the particular calling God entrusts to each person and, above all, in the impact we have on another’s life.

John Bunyan wrote, “You have never really lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” and C.S. Lewis similarly reflects: “Love is never wasted, for its value does not rest upon reciprocity.”

In Kenya, I am living in a country where physical needs surround me every day. I’m often confronted by the injustice of it all, and it challenges me deeply. If people simply shared with one another, we would not see the extreme poverty that exists today.

I used to feel overwhelmed by the poverty we see in developing countries—how do you even begin to help? The answer is surprisingly simple: one person at a time. This is how real change happens. As Ronald Reagan said, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” And eternal treasures do not need to be grand gestures or “significant” acts. They can be anything from a kind word spoken to someone having a difficult day to paying the rent for a person who couldn’t find work that month.

I’ve discovered that helping people in developing countries is easier than many in the West probably imagine. Here in Kenya, Euros stretch a long way. In the villages around us, monthly rent typically ranges from 3,000 to 6,000 Kenyan shillings—about 20 to 40 Euros. A month’s food for a family is around 8,000 shillings (roughly 52 Euros), and school fees for a term are usually about 10,000 shillings (around 66 Euros).

My husband and I are seeking to get more people established by helping them to start their own businesses, such as food shops, salons, clothing shops etc. This is a way of helping people to become independent and self-sufficient, as jobs are very scarce. On average, helping to establish one of these businesses costs around 30,000 Kenyan shillings—about 200 Euros. When you begin to look at the situation practically, the problem becomes far less abstract and the solutions far more tangible.

I love what Gandalf said to Galadriel in one of The Hobbit films:

“Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I have found it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.”

I was sitting on my sofa a little while ago, to be honest feeling a little sorry for myself, missing my family in Europe and wishing I could be somewhere else. Then I remembered that one of our friends was currently lying in hospital after a car accident, where he was found unconscious in a ditch six hours after the event, as people had passed him by, thinking he was dead. And then another friend came to my mind who was in prison unjustly, having committed no crime.

I quickly apologised to God for complaining and realised how blessed I am. I think we take so many things for granted, and often don’t realise what we have until we lose it. We must learn to be content in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. And when we start giving thanks and having an attitude of gratitude, we see how much we truly have to be grateful for.