Treasure

<<wealth>>

Something considered valuable and consequently cared for and protected.

Although we should value and respect people and things, nothing is to take a higher place than God, for this is idolatry, and we should be prepared to give up everything for our

We are to treasure the Lord Jesus most of all

relationship with Him (Ex 20:3-5; Mt 6:33, 13:44-46; Mk 12:30; Phil 3:8). It is a matter of perspective and priority. Those who love God (having a holy respect) are His treasured possession with our personal faith relationship a great treasure (Mal 3:17; 1 Pet 1:7; 2 Pet 1:1).

All the treasures of knowledge and wisdom are found in Christ alone (Col 2:3). The Psalmist could say, “I treasure your Word more than gold, more than daily food” (Ps 119:127). When the Holy Spirit indwells us we have this “treasure in earthen vessels” – that is, the truth and glory of the divine gospel of eternal life, which is of infinite worth (2 Cor 4:7). We are merely containers priviledged to be guardians of the personal and lifegiving knowledge of Jesus Christ in our own lives and given the responsibility to share this good news to others.

Our values determine our priorities as Christians with what we focus on dictating our actions, for our lifestyles reflect that perspective. The Bible counsels against hoarding perishable earthly treasure, rather advising investing in real and lasting riches in the

Who or what do I treasure most?

Kingdom of God (termed as laying up treasure in heaven) which God rewards – in contrast to excessive, selfish spending here on earth (Mt 6:19-21, 19:21; Mk 10:21; 1 Tim 6:17-19).

The treasures we can store up in heaven and which will be rewarded range from faithfully enduring persecution to loving our enemies (Mt 5:11,12; Lk 6:35).
God is indebted to no one, He will compensate those that have given a cup of cold water in His name, those who have sacrificed their lives and those martyred for His cause (Mt 10:42; Mk 10:29,30; Heb 6:10; Rev 2:10). "Whatever you do, do as unto the Lord...you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward" (Mt 25:40; Col 3:23,24). He will reward each person for their service (Mt 16:27; 1 Cor 3:8; Eph 6:8). We should have an eternal perspective and be like Moses who looked beyond the earthly hardship to the lasting reward in heaven (Heb 11:25,26).

The treasures that await Christians will far outweigh any trouble, inconvenience, or persecution we may face (Rom 8:18). We are encouraged to serve the Lord wholeheartedly, “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor 15:58).