Article August 21, 1920 Issue

Laying Up Treasures

ALFRED F. BLUNDELL

In the sixth chapter of Matthew, Jesus is reported as saying, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." The meaning of the word "treasures" depends in a sense upon the interpretation of the individual to whom the advice appeals and upon the point of view from which it appeals to him. Our Master certainly could not have referred to, or had in mind, any so-called treasures consisting of material things, because on another occasion, when referring to such material things, he states that, from a certain point of view, "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."

It seems, therefore, that the first thing to be done to understand how to comply with the instruction given, is to get a clear definition of the real meaning of treasure from the Master's point of view. Before we can define anything it must become the subject of our thought, and the conclusion that we reach determines to us what the object defined will be. The generally accepted meaning of the word "treasure" is, that which is much to be desired and which has a relatively great value. Those desiring it the most will think the most about it and think in such a way as to give activity to what they consider will be the best means to acquire the object of their desire.

Proportionably to the value they have placed on this object, will be the activity to acquire it, as indicated in the same chapter of Matthew, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." The student of Christian Science is taught that the beginning of everything, as phenomenon or as fact, is mental. This is surely logical and easy to understand, for to cease to think would be to cease to be conscious. This brings one to the place where it is well to know how and what to think, and it is here that Christianity, as understood in the teachings of Christian Science, gives us the key to the situation tells us what to desire most, how to secure the object of this desire, and how to increase our stock in this direction. If the manifestation of activity on our part is constant and energetic, and we are sincerely using our time and opportunity to think God's thoughts, we are laying up treasures in heaven. Furthermore, we have been gradually acquiring a habit which, as expressed in a human way, becomes second nature, or to be exact, is divinely natural. The efforts which we have put forth become our spiritual capital, and we find that in proportion to our past endeavors we can draw on this capital at such times as the claims or beliefs of a false consciousness assert themselves and try to demand recognition. If we have been faithful we have enough understanding to meet these demands, and each time we meet them in this way, instead of having lost any of our treasure, we find we have added to it.

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