In Matthew 6, Jesus warns us of the inevitable destruction of our earthly treasures, and points us towards storing up that which will last for eternity. But the only way to invest in something eternal is to invest in other people — and when we do that, it has to potential to bring both us and them heavenly rewards.

Ever heard the term “return on investment”? This world only has so much to offer that money can buy. But when we invest in others’ lives, we’re making an investment in the eternal — in a treasure that we’ll receive on the other side of this life. When we lose ourselves to Christ’s calling and purpose on earth, we gain so much more in heaven.

No matter how “good” we act, all of our good deeds are still filthy rags in the eyes of God because we’ve been tainted by sin from the start. But when we trade in our “rags” and accept the forgiveness and grace offered to us through Jesus’ death on the cross, we become adopted into the family of God. As His children, we not only are made clean in His sight — we become heirs to His riches, too.