What Really Lasts When Everything Falls Apart
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Matthew 6:19-20
When Jesus says, “Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal,” He’s giving us a heads-up that nothing we own is permanent—not even the dream home we scrimp and save for. If we’re honest, we spend a lot of energy chasing what we think will bring us security: a steady job, a house in a decent neighborhood, maybe a little tucked away for retirement. And there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. But then something tragic happens—like these fires in California—and in an instant, everything we poured ourselves into can disappear.
Scripture does not tell us to stop caring about the tangible stuff. We’re called to be good stewards of the blessings God gives us. But Jesus reminds us that our sense of worth and identity can’t come from what we accumulate. In Matthew 6, He points us to a deeper security—one rooted in His Kingdom, where nothing can destroy or steal what matters.
That’s where storing up treasure in heaven comes in. When we invest in loving our neighbors, caring for the poor, being generous, and pointing people to Christ, we put our time and energy into something that can never be taken away. It doesn’t mean we won’t feel the pain of loss here on earth. Believe me, seeing families who’ve lost their homes in these wildfires is absolutely devastating. They’ve lost precious memories, places where kids grew up, and the comfort of having a roof over their heads.
If that’s you—if you’re sorting through the ashes and trying to figure out what’s next—know that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and grieve. God never minimizes our pain. And as believers, we need to rally around each other. Pray for comfort and wisdom. Offer practical help when we can—bring a meal, open our homes, donate clothes or furniture. Show up in tangible ways that say, “You’re not alone in this.”
Ultimately, these fires remind us of how fragile life can be and how important it is to set our hearts on what truly lasts. When everything else is stripped away, our relationship with God, faith, and love for each other holds us steady. That’s the treasure that endures—one that moth and rust (and wildfires) can never touch. And that’s what Jesus invites us to invest in: a life so rooted in Him that even the worst storms—and yes, even the flames—can’t burn up our hope.
Donate to the American Red Cross. https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/