Another form of wealth has to do with those things to which an artificial value has been attached such as antiques, autographs and first editions. These often sell for fabulous prices far beyond their true value. They are a form of wealth although not as tangible as material possessions. Christ was dealing with the tendency of the human heart to become unduly attached to material things. Many a man has his treasure parked in his garage.
Many women have their treasure in their jewel box.
Our treasure is what we value most, what we would hate most to lose, what we think about most frequently and what affords us the greatest pleasure. Christ taught that earthly treasures can be quickly lost by disintegration or by theft. As we have seen in recent days, material possessions can quickly be swept away by overpowering winds and floods. Christ taught that we are to lay up treasures in heaven. The Apostle Peter spoke of an inheritance, or we might say, a treasure in heaven.