April 15, 2014

We are attached to that which we value. As Jesus so well stated, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6.21) The real key, then, is to make sure we value that which is truly valuable. 

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13.44-46)

A wise person sees the value of the kingdom when he discovers it. And, a person seeking something of real value in life will know that the kingdom is that great treasure. In both cases, when this priceless treasure is discovered, he/she will be “all in” for it; gladly selling out totally for it.

No one makes a total commitment for something they half-heartedly believe in. It is a sense of value that prompts wholehearted commitment.

The glitter and appeal of today’s kingdom easily gets in the way of the magnificent brilliance of the coming kingdom. It is “hidden in the field”; a pearl of great value among other pearls - discovered only by those diligently seeking it, or astute enough to see its value when they discover it. The kingdom of God does not shout above the world’s noise, nor flash brighter that the world’s message boards. We can easily miss it, and its value.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6.33) Few teachings of Jesus are more clearly known by His followers than this one. But, do we easily mouth these words without being truly committed to their directive? Is the priority of His kingdom and righteousness truly first, or in word only?

We are attached to that which we value. Perhaps it’s a good day to open the treasure chest of our lives and take a careful look at what’s inside. Hopefully the valuable kingdom is the first treasure there. But, it may be buried beneath family, home, car, recreation, and leisure. If so, dig it out, look at it carefully, and study its real value. When a sense of its true value washes over us, it’s the only treasure we’ll truly want to possess.

©Steve Taylor, 2014
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