Rumors have swirled and intrigue abounded over the life and bank accounts of Huguette Clark, the reclusive heiress of a vast copper mine fortune. Though she owned mansions, exclusive estates, and posh New York high-rise apartments, Clark lived in a hospital room. She was in good health, but for mysterious reasons chose to live in the hospital—registered under a false name. The last known photograph of Clark was taken in the 1930s. She died in 2011, but continues to be the subject of public fascination. Curious minds want to know: How did Clark use her vast treasure?

Jesus asks us all a similar question. How are we using our treasure? How will we use the many resources and opportunities we are given by Him? Certain treasures endure, and other treasures fade. Sadly, many of us toil solely for the treasures that will ultimately prove worthless. Jesus contrasted treasures on earth and treasures in heaven. Earth, Jesus explained, is the realm where nothing is secure: “where moths eat . . . and rust destroys . . . and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19).

Heaven, however, is the realm where everything stands secure because everything is under God’s full rule (Matthew 6:20). Heaven is God’s kingdom in perfection, without rival. To speak of heaven is to speak of God and of the world as God intends it to be (that is, God’s will on earth as it already is in heaven).

So, when asking if we treasure what is destined for earth or destined for heaven, Jesus is truly asking if we long for the world we can create or for the world only God can create. Do we treasure God, or do we treasure everything else?

We have to choose. Whatever we treasure, we serve (Matthew 6:21). And, as Jesus plainly said, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24).

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 12:1-25