Evangelism: Sowing the Treasures of Heaven

The fruit of faithfulness does not grow in a vacuum; it is rooted in Christ and nourished by His Word. This faithfulness transforms how we view our possessions, shifting our focus from storing treasures on earth to generously sharing the treasures of heaven. I am asking the question: Are we treasure savers or treasure sowers?

In his letter to Philemon, the Apostle Paul writes: “I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ” (Philemon 6).

In Christ, we are given “good things”—heavenly treasures of immeasurable value. Yet we must ask ourselves: Do we take personal ownership of these gifts, or do we recognize them as seeds meant to be sown into the lives of others?

Our earthly treasures are gifts from God, yet our sinful nature often tempts us to claim them as our own. We often take credit for them or discern them as well-deserved.

I see this tension when I look at my neighbor’s house. His driveway is a gallery of “treasures”: a large RV, a boat on a trailer, motorcycles, an ATV, and a garage overflowing with golf clubs and fishing gear. Living for the weekend, he spends the glorious summer and fall days enjoying everything he has gathered.

I’ll admit, there are moments when I envy his collection. But in those moments, I stop and remind myself of a greater pursuit: Is it better to store treasures on earth, or treasures in heaven?

When Jesus spoke to the rich young ruler, he set an impossible standard. To be right with God based on his own merit, the man had to be perfect. Jesus told him to sell everything and give it to the poor to receive treasure in heaven. The man went away sad because he could not let his treasures go. He didn’t realize that he wasn’t truly the owner of his possessions—God was.

Without faith, it is impossible to truly receive the “good things” God offers. Faith provides the understanding that everything we have—both our physical resources and our spiritual blessings—belongs to the Lord. They are entrusted to us to be shared. When we become too possessive of what we have, we inadvertently create a barrier between ourselves and God who gracious gave us those gifts.

As our understanding of heavenly treasures deepens, our faith naturally responds by wanting to share them. And what amazing treasures they are!

Consider the assurance we possess with the knowledge that our sins are fully forgiven right now. Consider the security of our citizenship in heaven, which is 100% guaranteed. God has declared us “not guilty,” not because of our effort, but because of what Christ accomplished on the cross. These are the treasures we are called to distribute by pointing to the message of the cross. This his God’s purpose for those who trust in him.