Treasures in Heaven

I thought this insight contained an interesting allegorical interpretation of familiar verses.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6: 19-21

"These verses are not really talking about what to do with your money or jewels, or your stocks and bonds. The common Western interpretation is this:

Do not hoard your money and goods while here on earth. Moths and rust will get to your goods, and thieves will break in and steal your money. Rather, give your money to the church, or do good deeds, so that you lay up a store of treasure in heaven.

The Eastern interpretation has a deeper meaning.

Treasure = Thoughts. We are urged to keep our thoughts on spiritual things rather than on earthly things. The moth and rust represent fear and worry. If we think about earthly matters, fear and worry will creep in, and we will experience defeat and frustration. The 'thieves' represent 'doubt', which steal our thoughts. But if we think on spiritual matters, there is no doubt, worry, or fear.

Here is the literal translation of the above verses. Matthew 6: 19-21:

"Let not your thoughts be centered in material things where fears and worries breed defeat and frustration, and where the doubts break through and steal your thoughts: But let your thoughts be centered in the Spirit, where neither fear nor worry breeds defeat and frustration, and where doubts do not break through and steal your thoughts. For where your thoughts are, there will your heart be also."

The mind is a doorkeeper to the heart. Proverbs 23: 7 :

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

By controlling your mind/thoughts, you guard your heart.

The New Testament epistles also exhort us to think on spiritual things. Romans 8: 5-6:

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

To think on spiritual thoughts is life and peace, and that is a true treasure."


Light From an Eastern Window by K C Pilai

http://www1.itech.net/ydl/Orientalisms_of_the_Bible3.ht