What is so valuable that you would trade everything to possess it?
My wife has been reading a powerful book to our children called “A Treasure Beyond Measure.” I was inspired to write this post after her reading it to our son tonight. It is written by Melody Carlson and Steve Bjorkman and is well worth the money. Click here to purchase from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Treasure-Beyond-Measure-Melody-Carlson/dp/1581343434
Without ruining it for you, I’ll disclose the book’s back cover to potential readers:
Fred’s life was simple until one day
He bought a map that would show the way
To a hidden treasure across the sea-
An “X” marked the spot where it would be.
So without a question, without a doubt,
Fred got a boat and headed out.
He gave up everything he had.
Most of us would say “He’s mad!’
But Fred just did what we all should do.
His trip is a lesson for me and you.
Cause what god gives us beyond measure
Worth all we have-the most precious treasure.
Fred sold everything to purchase a “Treasure Beyond Measure.” What would you sell everything to purchase? It’s a good question and one that Jesus addresses many times in the Gospels. Jesus didn’t become flesh to gain wealth. He came as the embodiment of Worth and desired to give His worth away to an unworthy world. The Word was, is and will always be the only true worth.
“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 13:44-45
Notice the word TREASURE. That is what God has hidden for those who accept his invitation and go on His prescribed journey. He has hidden great WORTH that we are invited to pursue.
In this post I want to give you five reason why you should trade your wealth for worth. Or in other words, five reasons to go after the treasure beyond measure with great urgency. It’s worth it. As Jim Elliot says: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
1. Wealth can be taken overnight. Worth will accompany you into eternity.
2. Wealth many times leaves relationships feeling fabricated. Worth is a currency of authentic relationships.
3. Wealth lacks the ability to add intrinsic value to people. Worth adds value in ways that wealth cannot.
4. Wealth many times can bring more pressure and problems. Worth brings peace.
5. Wealth is about what you have. Worth is about who you are.
The reality is simple: The measure of our sacrifice will be determined by the perceived value of the Treasure. What is the Kingdom of Heaven worth to you? What is your destiny worth to you? Good questions that I wrestle with every day.
My thoughts,
Josh