Sometimes when we read the Bible, it seems really foreign. It is foreign! Not only was it originally written in a different language, but it was also written to help us get out of our culture and mindset into a Kingdom culture and mindset. This foreignness and Kingdom mindset can be surprising when thinking about generosity. We may have read Matthew 6:19-24 from the Sermon on the Mount many times, but maybe giving some background to some of the words will help us gather a more complete understanding.
The following is from the Jewish New Testament, translated by David H. Stern. I have added the bolded word to show the word in the original language used over and over and the fuller meaning of the final word.
“Do not store up (stockpile) for yourselves wealth (stockpiles) on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and burglars break in and steal. Instead, store up (stockpile) for yourselves wealth (stockpiles) in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy, and burglars do not break in and steal. For where your wealth (stockpile) is, there your heart will be also.
“The eye is the lamp of the body. So if you have a ‘good eye’ [that is if you are generous], your whole body will be full of light. But if you have an ‘evil eye’ [if you are stingy], your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the first and love the second, or he will scorn the second and be loyal to the first. You cannot be a slave to both God and that in which you trust or resources.”
Reading it this way, I was surprised thinking about what my stockpiles are! I’m sure you have different “stockpiles” or things “in which you trust” (other than God) than I do. As we allow our kind Father to draw us more into resembling His Son, may we all become more generous of heart, having eyes full of light and keeping our stockpiles in Heaven.
Thanks go to David H. Stern and The Bible Project Podcast episode “What Does Jesus Say About Money? (Studio Conversation).”