True Treasure

“In Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.” (Colossians 2:3 CSB)

Treasure hunting is fascinating. There is something intriguing about doing serious research, for example, about treasure ships that were lost at sea laden with treasure, and then implementing a plan to go find it. It takes teams of people committed to the task. It takes a great deal of time and patience just to find the sunken ship. It takes some very specialized high-tech equipment. And, it takes a lot of money. While the monetary rewards are sometimes a major part of the motivation, true treasure hunters are more motivated by actually finding and retrieving the treasure. They relish the process as much as the find, if not more.

Treasure is something of value to someone. Like beauty, treasure is in the eye of the beholder. Jesus spoke of a pearl merchant who found the pearl of his dreams and went and sold everything he had just to buy that one pearl. Jesus used that parable to describe the importance of seeking the kingdom of God.

Jesus also taught, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” It is very important to note that it’s not the other way around. It isn’t where your heart is, there your treasure will be, but where your treasure is, there you will commit your heart. Your life revolves around what you treasure.

Paul said that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ. Real treasure is the kind that does not fade with time and which cannot be lost or taken away. Jesus advised us to look for that kind of treasure. If you want to know how to live life fully and with great satisfaction, do your treasure hunting in Jesus Christ. There you will find the greatest treasures, and there you will put your heart.

Lord, Help us to remember that the streets of heaven are paved with gold, and that seeking after such as that is no better than just seeking pavement. Help us to understand what real treasure is and where it can be found, and point us in that direction. Amen.