Jesus Christ is our treasure and our joy over finding this eternal treasure far surpasses the cost it takes to obtain it. The Christian life requires a different perspective than the politically correct and worldly view found on earth. As aliens (foreigners), we are just passing through. So, like the man who sells everything he owns in order to purchase the field where the treasure was discovered, we do so with joy. Why joy, when it costs us so much? It is because our time on earth is but a millisecond when compared to eternity with our heavenly Father.
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”
Matthew 13:44 (NKJV)
The lost may have wealth in this world but they cannot take their possessions and wealth with them when they die. The “treasures” they now enjoy are the best they will ever know! They do not think about investing in eternal treasure.
“Heaven is not here, it’s There. If we were given all we wanted here, our hearts would settle for this world rather than the next. God is forever luring us up and away from this one, wooing us to Himself and His still invisible Kingdom, where we will certainly find what we so keening long for.” ~ Elisabeth Elliot
Living in the world, short as it is, does have many challenges. When we forget to keep our eyes focused on God’s will and all things above, we can easily lose our Christian hope in His promises and struggle with “the cares of this world.”
“And the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the Word, and it becomes unfruitful.” Mark 4:19 (NKJV)
Jesus made many references to money and possessions. There is a fundamental connection between our spiritual lives and how we think about and handle our money. When we are financially challenged it can be hard to tithe. It requires faith to stand on His promises, which include His meeting our every need. Not every want… but every need. He tests our faith and rejoices when we give Him our first fruits.
“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.”
Proverbs 3:9 (NIV)
“’Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’” Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
In the Gospel of Luke, there is a parable about a rich fool. His land yielded such a large harvest that his barns could not hold all of his crops. Thinking of a solution, he decided to tear down his old barns and build even bigger ones that would hold all of his goods. He found comfort in his possessions saying to himself, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” Luke 12:19 (NKJV) But God rebuked the man and called him a fool. Why? Because on that very night God required his soul! All the wealth he had labored so hard to accumulate was never enjoyed. “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:21 (NKJV)
“And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Luke 12:15 (NKJV)
Our flesh wants things. Our flesh covets what the world offers. It is not wrong to enjoy the good things God has created but it is wrong to make them our focus. We would be wise to lay up our treasure in heaven. We do this by glorifying God and living for others. The Bible does not tell us to focus on our own pleasures and comfort. The Bible tells us to put others first and serve as Christ served those He met.
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:33-36 (NKJV)
“ And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)
“The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of coins of gold and silver.” Psalm 119:72 (NKJV)
“Hold everything earthly with a loose hand; but grasp eternal things with a death-like grip.” ~ Charles Spurgeon