Having possessions

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19-20)

 In Palestine in Jesus’ time, people generally kept their valuables (goods or hard currency) in a storage place or a strongbox in their home, or buried either beneath their floor or elsewhere. The wealthy also had fine clothing, which was a form of wealth. But precious metals could corrode or be stolen, moths could damage fine garments, and grain stored in barns could be eaten by rodents, the point being that earthly possessions are temporary and fleeting; they don’t last or follow us into the life beyond.
 (Jesus) He isn’t speaking against having possessions. Scripture praises the ants for setting aside food for the winter, and chastises those who don’t provide for their family. We’re also told to enjoy the things God has created. So having possessions, making provision for the future, and enjoying the gifts God has given us are not what Jesus is speaking against. Jesus is speaking against the love of possessions and making the accumulation of them your focus or the source of your joy.
 There are many things that are perfectly fine to pursue, but if pursued for the wrong reason, are out of alignment with Jesus’ teachings. If they draw us away from the values of the kingdom of God, then they are the wrong treasures. —Peter Amsterdam [1]

 “Lay up treasures on earth” does not mean being provident (making sensible provision for the future), but being covetous (like misers who hoard and materialists who always want more). This is the real snare of which Jesus warns here. —John Stott

[1] Activated Treasure