The concept of treasure, riches, and wealth have intrigued, fascinated, and allured people for ages. We talk in the modern world of a “status symbol”. Material riches, worldly success, feels to us a measure of status. A way of validating who we are and what we do.
We seek both acceptance and approval from the world’s standard definition of success.
When the Bible speaks of treasure, it is as much how we use it as what we have. Materials are a means to an end, the resources to help us gain the true treasure. Success comes through wisdom. We win at life by making meaningful choices not by hoarding dollar bills.
The foolish man swallows worldly possessions. He internalizes it and refuses to allow anyone near it. This does not just prevent others from being blessed, it prevents the hoarder from being blessed.
All of the things God has given us are tools to draw us into relationship with him, to empower us to reflect his essence within us and to care for one another. When we pursue resources as an end rather than a means, we have turned to idolatry. The true riches, the precious treasure, in The Kingdom of God is fellowship with the King of the Universe.