“but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
— Matthew 6:20 (NKJV)
As followers of Christ, we are constantly called to re-evaluate our relationship with the material world. In a society where success is often defined by wealth, possessions, and influence, Jesus invites us to consider a radically different investment strategy—one rooted not in temporary returns, but in eternal impact. In Matthew 6:20, Jesus offers a clear contrast between two types of treasures: those stored on earth and those stored in heaven. Earthly treasures—our money, assets, status—are vulnerable. They fade, decay, and can be stolen. But heavenly treasures—acts of kindness, faithfulness, generosity, and service in God’s kingdom—are secure and everlasting. The value of these eternal investments is not just in their incorruptibility, but in how they align our hearts with the values of heaven.
In defining the true meaning of “treasure”, the SDA Bible Commentary on this passage emphasizes that “storing up treasures in heaven” is not about withdrawing from the material world or living in asceticism. Rather, it’s about using our resources—our time, talents, and treasure—in a way that reflects God’s priorities. When we support the spread of the gospel, serve the poor, act justly, and live faithfully, we are engaging in eternal commerce. These are investments with divine returns. In essence, it’s not about how much we have, but how we use what we have. Earthly treasures perish. But the impact of a life lived in selfless obedience, generosity, and worship does not. And that is what Jesus calls us to pursue. In the words of commentator G. Campbell Morgan, “The Master does not say it is wrong to possess earthly treasure. He does say it is wrong to lay it up for self. We are to hold it as stewards.”
We live in a time where the pursuit of “more” often leads to frustration, do we pursue contentment over accumulation! Whether it’s a larger income, a newer car, or a higher position, the hunger for accumulation is never quite satisfied. A 1992 survey showed that regardless of income, people consistently believed they needed double their earnings to attain the “good life.” This relentless chase underscores a profound truth: earthly satisfaction is elusive. The Apostle Paul offers a more fulfilling path: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6). True peace does not come from abundance, but from a heart content with what God has provided—and committed to using it for His glory.
The story of Kilimani Springs SDA Church, I strongly believe, is true is a Testament of Eternal Investment, a living witness to what it means to invest in eternity. Just six years ago, we gathered in a rented school hall—Kilimani Primary School. The facilities were limited, the vision great, and the needs growing. But the call to build a spiritual home—a centre of evangelism—was strong. Guided by God, through committed church leadership and effective follow up actions of Investment Committee, our members responded graciously with great sacrifice. Through five years of tireless fundraising and unwavering generosity, we secured our own property on Musa Gitau Road in May 2024. Just a few months later, in October 2024, we inaugurated our new sanctuary and worship facilities—a true milestone in our journey of faith. But this was not just a real estate achievement. It was an eternal investment in “eternity”. From this new base, our evangelistic efforts have expanded significantly – In Masailand, through outreach in Oloor’Kitareti, Kilonito, and Kitet – In Nairobi, through ministry at Kawangware Children’s Garden and at in our location at Musa Gitau Rd, the explosion of programs reaching out to the children and the youth building them up closer to God and be in His service is a testament to behold. Our property has become more than a collection of buildings; it is a platform for mission, ministry, and transformation—a storehouse of heavenly treasure, built not with bricks alone, but with faith, unity, and sacrificial giving.
When we give to support the gospel, help others, or build up the church, we are not just making donations—we are worshiping, giving that glorifies God. Stewardship becomes sacred when it is done in response to God’s grace. As Jesus teaches in Luke 16:1-14, even the shrewd manager was commended for using his present resources to secure his future. Similarly, we are invited to use our temporary, earthly means to accomplish eternal purposes. Our material treasures will not follow us into eternity—but what we do with them can echo forever. Every coin given to a mission trip, every square foot built for worship, every child fed or clothed in Jesus’ name—these are the returns that matter in the divine economy.
Let us ask ourselves and each other, where is your heart? Jesus gave the answer, in concluded this teaching with a piercing statement: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21). This is not just a reflection—it’s a challenge. Our spending, our schedules, our service—they all reveal what we value most. If our treasure is in earthly success, our hearts will be rooted in the temporary. But if our treasure is in God’s kingdom, our hearts will reflect His character, His mission, and His priorities. At KSSDAC, we have seen this truth unfold. As we have given, built, and served together, our hearts have been knit together—not just in fellowship, but in eternal purpose.
This is a call to every believer! To invest in eternity is to live with a different mindset. It is to ask, not “What can I gain?” but “How can I give?” It is to view your job, your possessions, your time—not as yours to keep, but as God’s to use. It is to remember that while the world counts ROI in profits, heaven counts it in people, purpose, and praise. May we, as individuals and as a church, continue to store up treasures where moth and rust do not destroy. Let us be faithful with our time, diligent with our talents, and generous with our treasure—so that one day, we may hear those eternal words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” In conclusion, we celebrate what God has already done in our midst—and we look forward with hope to what He will continue to do as we keep investing in what truly matters. Because in the economy of heaven, no act of faith, no gift of love, and no step of obedience is ever wasted.
Is an architect by profession and currently the chair of Kilimani Springs Investments committee. Married to Jane M Kibwage for over 35 years and blessed with one son, two daughters and a daughter-in-law. He has served the church as an Elder and a Deacon among several other duties.
Great article, a great quote here
“Wealth accumulated without purpose is unproductive; true prosperity is measured by what wealth builds, heals, and blesses.”