44“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
45“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. (Matthew 13:4-45)
Thoughts: The kingdom of heaven is precious. It is to be valued like a treasure- like a pearl. It is worth all that we can sell all that we are.
This is a lesson for many American church members. We see the church as a consumer- what can the church do for me. We see the church as a little extra help for our lives: icing that is not the essential ingredient. Jesus reminds us that when we really see the kingdom for what it is- we are willing to leave everything else behind- including the worries, concerns, and riches of this world. The greatest treasures are riches that do not last just a little while, or even a lifetime- but an eternity.
This is a lesson for many American church members. We see the church as a consumer- what can the church do for me. We see the church as a little extra help for our lives: icing that is not the essential ingredient. Jesus reminds us that when we really see the kingdom for what it is- we are willing to leave everything else behind- including the worries, concerns, and riches of this world. The greatest treasures are riches that do not last just a little while, or even a lifetime- but an eternity.
Prayer: Lord, help me to value you and your kingdom.
