The immeasurable riches

What treasures or valuables do you possess that are worth keeping safe? Your grandparents' jewelry? Or the latest smartphone with all the bells and whistles? Whatever it may be, these things can easily become idols and distract us from what is important. The Bible teaches us that we never need to fear losing the true treasure, Jesus Christ. An intimate relationship with Jesus surpasses all worldly riches: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Mt 6,19-21).

I would like to share with you the following funny story of a man who couldn't part with his money: There was a greedy old miser who loved his money so much that his wife had to promise him that after his death she would give her every penny would put in the coffin. As luck would have it, he actually died and just before he was buried, his wife placed a casket in the coffin. Her friend asked her if she really kept her promise to bury him with all the money. She replied: Of course I did! I am a good Christian and I have kept my word. I put every penny he had into my bank account and wrote him a check and put it in the cash box!

We admire the woman for her intelligence and her clever solution to the problem. At the same time, we recognize the foolishness of the man who believed that material possessions could secure his life. Because you trust in God, you know that you have a life of abundance secured in Jesus, a life of immeasurable riches. Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (Joh 10,10).

It is sad when we lose sight of this reality and settle for worldly petty gains. But let's be honest, in our materialistic world there is always something glittering to distract us: "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you have died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." (Kol 3,1-3).

Here's a little reminder how we can keep our eyes on the reality we have in Christ so that we don't make fools of ourselves on this side of the grave. I hope this will serve as a useful reminder the next time you are tempted by worldly riches. The treasure you have is a pearl of great price, an immeasurable wealth.

from Greg Williams