Our Most Valuable Possession

“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. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
Matthew 13:44-46 NIV

What do you value most in your life? What would you give everything up for? Perhaps our answer has something to do with family and our loved ones. Maybe it has to do with security and feeling stable. Others of us may seek success and acceptance. Whatever our answer, it is important to honestly reflect on what we value most. On their own, these are good and important things, but Jesus reminds us that they should not be what we value most.

In Matthew 13 Jesus tells the parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl. In these two instances we hear of individuals who found a treasure so valuable they gave up everything for it. Jesus points out that the Kingdom of Heaven is like that treasure. Being in relationship with God is the most valuable thing we could ever possess. It is so important that everything else pales in comparison. It is the one thing that we should be willing to give everything up for.

Not only does Jesus teach this but he lives it. He loved each of us so much that he gave up everything for us, including his life. Similarly, we should value our relationship with God above all else. Just as the men had to sacrifice for the treasure they found, our walk with God will involve sacrifice. That sacrifice will look different for each of us at different times. But God promises that when we surrender our own plans and desires to place him first, he will guide our path and cover us in love. Just as the man in Matthew 13 experienced great joy in his sacrifice, we too will experience the joy of the Lord when we value our relationship with him above all else.

Reflect: How do your actions reveal what you value most? What might God be asking you to give up or sacrifice in order to grow your relationship with him?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, We thank you for sending Jesus to show us what it looks like to live for you alone. We thank you for the sacrifice he made so that we too could be in relationship with you. We admit that sacrifice is difficult and we struggle to put you first. Convict us of the things that we value over you and show us how to surrender them to you. As we seek to place you first, fill our hearts with the joy of your love. We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Blessings in your week,

Makalah Scholten
Spiritual Care Coordinator

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