“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:” Matthew 6:19
Thousands of years ago, in Egypt, rich, powerful pharaohs prepared for their burial ahead of their death. They sought and hired some of the 
wisest mathematicians, architects, masons, and engineers. Detailed precise plans were designed. Different locations were examined, and finally the right spot was surveyed. The construction was begun.
Thousands of men and women were engaged for the mammoth task. Many were slaves. Stonecutters were set to task to provide one to ten ton granite blocks. The stones were slid along cobbled roadways or brought in by barges. It was a grueling task. Many died from the heat, lack of food, and from tragedies in handling the massive blocks.
Each block was transported to the building site. Slowly, with much care, the blocks were put in their precise, designed-for position. Block after block was hoisted by the sweat of many workers. It was a tedious work of many, many years.
At last the work was done. The tomb of the Pharaoh was completed. The pyramid was a marvel of precision. Blocks, without mortar, were laid so close together that not even a matchbook cover could be placed between many of their joints.
The Pharaoh looked upon it with his age-dimmed eyes, knowing that one day he would be buried in a hidden room amidst the tons of granite. Finally, the Pharaoh died. His corpse was specially prepared with herbs, ointments, and linen wrappings. His prearranged orders were carried out.
The Pharaoh’s body, his faithful servants, wives, pets, and many of his prized possessions were sealed, sometimes alive, with him in the tomb. He believed that in a next life he would be able to enjoy all his earthy treasures. To this day, his treasures are still there, if they had not been plundered by thieves or taken away to the museums. He found out too late, as will many millions; that no matter the provision, one cannot take anything from this life into the next.
If people have trusted in the shed blood of Jesus Christ for their salvation, they have the promise of Heaven, but what will they find awaiting them in heaven? Their earthly treasures will be left behind where the moths will consume them, will decay by rust, or be taken by thieves or family relatives.
After a person is saved, he has a responsibility to live and serve the Lord. In doing so, he will be rewarded for what he has done for the Lord. 
Serving the Lord in this life is sending our “treasures” ahead to the heavenly bank account where it will be appreciated later — when we spend eternity there.
“But lay up for your selves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” Matthew 6:20
If you are saved, what have you deposited into your heavenly account? You cannot take this world’s treasures with you when you leave this life. The Hearse that drives you to your final resting place will not have a trailer-hitch to take your valuables with you. Now, while you still have a breath, is the time to send your “treasures” ahead, where they will draw heavenly interest rates.
Just got word my young friend passed away thank you for any prayers the family needs them . God bless
So sorry for your loss…. it good to hear she was saved……
In answer to David I have no retirement I get a small disabled check and that’s okay I live a simple life and that’s ok yet I do have a roof over my head clothes on my body and food on my table . God looks after us just trust Him .
To Pastor Dough prayers for your father that God will heal him as I am praying for my young friend she is only 38 years old with lung cancer pneumonia and a tumor in her head and she has 2 young boys but all I can do is leave it to God . I have known her since she was a child but God knows what he is doing . So let us agree that no matter the outcome in these things God has it in control .
Bro Brinkworth,
This is a hard truth in this hour but truth, nonetheless. How much is enough?
What is the right Christian position on saving for retirement, or even retirement for that matter?
It is obvious that the “American Dream” is just that for most folks, but why?
Bro Brinkworth, would you address this topic deeper if the Lord leads you?
I’m always looking for ideas, and always consider the ideas of others as perhaps of the Lord.
Offhand, there’s not a lot in the Bible about “retirement”. I believe that is a modern concept, and not totally biblical. The Bible, except two exceptions (the aged high priest and failed health) I can think of, encourages us to work.
But, we need to be wise! We need not worry about anything, especially the future, but we need to plan as if we have one. I have never made much money, especially in the ministry (one time it was $50 every six weeks, with three mouths to feed), but God has always provided. I made my tithe and bills a priority; set aside money each week to pay the bills, and some money for the future bills or when I couldn’t work. Sometimes it was less than $5. My savings were minimum, but it was the best I could do. I trusted God to do a lot with my “little”, and to this day I have never missed a bill. Personal luxories and entertainment got the lowest priority. There’s a lot of free things one can do as a family, as bus ministry, parks, fishing…. It is scary, but so is life, but not to the Lord. Living by faith never stops until we go home.
That’s so true! Job (possibly the oldest book in the bible) said “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither” (job 1:21). Bro. Bill and all my brothers and sisters in Christ, please pray for my dad. He’s having prostate problems. His name is Ronny. If I can pray for someone else, please let me know too!
I’ll try to remember to put it on Monday’s prayer list. So sorry for the situation. I will pray. There is a name on this mornings prayer list that could use your prayers. Thanks for offering.