But store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
In these words Jesus shows the contrast between earthly and heavenly treasures, urging a person to seek what has eternal value. Treasures stored up in heaven symbolize the works that are born from faith, love, and righteousness, and are subject neither to loss nor to decay. Christ teaches that true security is not in material possessions, but in the relationship a person has with God. When a believer lives with mercy, meekness, and righteousness, by the deeds of his life he “stores up treasures” in heaven, where no power can take them away. These words are a call to spiritual transformation: to replace the desire to accumulate material values with good works and the hope of eternity.