Matthew 6:19-21 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
The Test of Delayed Gratification
John Stossel, on the TV program 20/20, was doing a report on children and impulse control. The scientists tested each child by placing them in a room with four M&M’s on a plate. Each of them was told that if they didn’t eat them, but waited, when the adult came back in the room they would not only get to keep those four but be given four more. They filmed the children waiting through the mirrored glass and it was hilarious. Some children counted the M&M’s while others arranged them on the plate. Some tried to look away and avoid even eye contact with the delicious candy. All of them were successful and were each rewarded with double the amount.
Storing Treasures in Heaven
In a similar way, God has entrusted each one of us with earthly treasures but asks that we have restraint and make it a priority to invest in eternal matters. The Lord also promises an even great reward for our obedience that will never disappear. Matthew 6:19-20 says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal.” Later in Matthew 25:21, we see a glimpse of what God has in store; “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”
The key to delayed gratification is faith. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6) In the 20/20 experiment above, the children displayed faith in the character of the scientist and then faith that he would follow-through with his promise for more M&M’s. This faith gave them the strength to avoid instantly gratifying themselves by eating the four M&M’s they were provided.
Trusting God’s Promises
How much greater and more faithful is the Lord of the universe? Do you believe in His character and that He is faithful to keep His promises to you? It is faith in Him and His promises that will sustain you from instantly gratifying yourself on earth and investing in eternal matters. By doing so, you can be sure that God will follow-through with eternal blessings beyond imagination when you enter the Kingdom of Heaven.