January 30, 2026 3:00 am
The Lord Jesus teaches us to prioritize treasures in heaven over earthly wealth, encouraging us to sell what we have and give to the poor, while also being responsible to provide for our own and those dependent on us, with simplicity and singleness of heart.
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Welcome to the Days of Praise podcast, a daily devotional by the Institute for Creation Research. Treasure in Heaven. Sell that ye have, and give alms. Provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. Luke 12, 33.
The Lord Jesus frequently warned us against trying to accumulate wealth here on earth. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, he said. Rather, lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. In our text above he even says to sell what we have and give it away. To the rich young ruler he said, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven.
God's Word cannot contradict itself, however, so this teaching must also be balanced against a man's responsibility to provide for his own, and especially for those of his own house. Similarly, the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. We are also encouraged to give to him that needeth, and to sow bountifully as a cheerful giver. Such instructions imply that by faithful labor in the vocations God has given us, we shall have the wherewithal to do such things. Ananias and Sapphira were punished not for retaining part of their possessions for their own needs, but rather because they lied about it.
Our giving should be done with simplicity, and that is with singleness of heart. All we have is of the Lord, and should be used in ways that honor Him in accord with His Word and His providential leading. We should provide judiciously for the needs of those dependent on us, but our own personal needs and wants should be kept minimal so that more can be used in His service and to meet the needs of others. If you've enjoyed today's devotional, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. And please rate and review so more listeners can find us.
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