The definition of wealth is abundance of material or spiritual values. When something is valuable to us and we hang our hearts on it, we call it wealth. These can be very different things in our life, e.g. material wealth (money and goods), beauty, health, family, friends, work, leisure time, talents and much more.
What we hang our hearts on ,determines and defines our life, we align ourselves with it. Wealth promises security and happiness, e.g. a lot of money = financial security. Often we strive for certain things or want to achieve this or that, because we think that our happiness depends on it.
The Bible says we should be careful of what we hang our hearts on. Far too often we focus on wrong goals, on things that basically cannot fulfill us, make us rich or happy. Jesus speaks of treasures on earth and treasures in heaven.
“Do not collect riches here on earth, where moths and rust devour them or thieves break in and steal. Rather collect your treasures in heaven, where they cannot be eaten away by moths or rust and are also safe from thieves. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be! ”Matthew 6: 19-21
All treasures and riches on earth are perishable, treasures in heaven remain forever. What does Jesus mean by treasures in heaven?
I believe the treasures in heaven are the gifts from God that we receive when we turn our lives around him, our hearts hang on him first of all. Through the connection, fellowship with Jesus we collect treasures in heaven, yes I would say the relationship with Jesus is the greatest wealth we can have as humans, worth much more than a lottery win. His unconditional love, knowing he died for me on the cross, bore my sins for me and forever reconciled me with Heavenly Father, that is a treasure that fills my heart with peace, joy, hope, confidence. This love of his is an immortal treasure and wealth that nothing and no one can steal from me.
Jesus has many treasures in store for me. I can read his word and the bible and get to know and meet him through this.
“I rejoice in your word as one who finds great treasure.” Psalm 119,162
“Your instructions are my treasure; they fill my heart with joy.” Psalm 119: 111
“Happy is the one who trusts in you.” Psalm 84:13
“Prosperity comes through God’s blessing; your own effort does not make it greater.” Proverbs 10:22
“If you get riches, your hearts will not be attached to it.” Psalm 62:11