THE FOUR BOOKS OF TIMOTHY TO THE CHURCH

No. 2     TREASURES IN HEAVEN

Many Christians think they are exempt from the crime of avarice because their wealth are invested in non-sinful businesses.  Let nobody be deceived by this silly idea.  Christ said:  "Lay NOT up to yourself treasures on earth,"  i.e. whether sinful or non-sinful.  And again, "But lay up to yourself treasures in heaven."

Earth and, eventually, hell are the rewards of greed and avarice.  Heaven and eternal happiness are due to those who are generous in almsgiving.

The GOOD transfer their earthly treasures to heaven through generous almsgiving; the BAD keep their treasures on earth though they exhibit occasional Pharisaical almsgiving. 

St. Salvian, Presbyter.

(03-30-04)