“You can’t take it with you,” so the saying from an old pulpit goes. The first thing that comes to fallen mankind’s mind is wealth. Then God says, “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:20-21) What are those treasures that we can take with us? “These three remain: faith, hope, and love.”
Love has been explored, defined, and explained in the previous verses. Jesus laid down his life for us. (Ephesians 5:25b; 1 John 3:16) What better example is there for us? “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Faith is also exemplified in the life and death of Christ, who said after a torturous day, “It is finished. Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46; Luke 19:30) He never lost faith in his God and Father. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)
Hope, like love and faith, is also witnessed in Christ Jesus. The author of the letter to the Hebrews uses the analogy of a Greek athlete running a race to help us hold onto the hope for the better future. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)
I can be rich in heaven. Not with worldly wealth. Rather, rich with faith, hope, and love. The greatest of these is love. I can take these with me.
