The
story is told of a South African farmer who disliked his occupation and envied
those who were into the diamond business.
Farming provided a meager existence but those who discovered diamonds
seemed to live a life of luxury. Accordingly,
he sold his poor farm and joined countless others in search of diamonds. Soon after, he hit tough times, became
financially ruined and committed suicide. Meanwhile, the new owner who bought
the farm came across an unusual stone as he toiled over his farm. He carried the stone home, put it on his mantle
and consequently forgot about it. One day, a friend dropped by and noticed this
unusual stone. With permission, he took
it to a dealer and to their surprise, the stone turned out to be one of the
largest diamonds ever discovered and the poor farm was transformed into a huge
diamond mine. If only our first farmer
friend had been more patient.
This
true story speaks aloud to many that are trying to find wealth and luxury in
the wrong places. Too many fortune hunters
not content with their heritage, run to distant rainbows in pursuit of their
dreams of happiness. Matthew 6:19-21 is
an excellent reminder and it states, "Do not lay up for yourselves
treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and
steal but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your
treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (ESV) In these verses, Jesus encouraged those that desire to follow him must
not store up treasures on earth, which can decay or be stolen. Rather, store up
treasures in heaven that have lasting value. Simply stated, your heart will be
where your treasure is.
What
comprises your earthly treasures? What’s in your heavenly bank account? Remember
that everything we have now is provisional during our lifetime and whatever we
have acquired on earth cannot be brought with us when we leave this world. Many
have tried to do so but to no avail. As an example, the pyramids in Egypt that
are filled with many earthly treasures are evidences to what the Pharaohs
wanted to do, i.e., to bring with them in the afterlife many untold riches and
wealth accumulated as part of their journey. Unfortunately, it does not work
that way. It is only when we begin to follow the instruction that Jesus spoke
about acquisition of heavenly wealth will be the source of our needed security
including with it the perfect peace of knowing that our life’s achievement is
heavenward.
Many
can argue that what Jesus prescribed is unrealistic but just looking around to
know that it is indeed a reality will awaken us to its truth. No amount of
riches nor power attained can amount to what awaits us in eternity especially
if Jesus becomes the real Owner of our earthly and eternal life. Thus, this
Scriptural verse is an excellent reminder of this principle: “For
what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For
what can a man give in return for his soul? (Mark 8:36-37, ESV) Therefore, let’s secure the most important
treasure we have in this life, i.e., our soul wholeheartedly turned over to
Jesus’ care. It must become the chief priority rather than the accumulation of
earthly wealth. However, if we have been fortunate enough to become a steward
of such wealth from the Lord, just make sure that what we have will not be a
reason for us to lose our heavenly treasure.
With
the story illustrated above, our lives can be compared to diamonds in many
ways. A diamond, when found, looks dull
and rough. To have any worth, it has to be cut and polished. Likewise, when coming to Christ, we may be
dull, scratched or blemished. He will refine us so that facets of our
personality will begin to glow and cascade light, His Light. Are you interested
in this type of treasure? Then, let’s begin to allow Jesus into our life and in
every aspect of it to experience what real treasure is all about. When we do,
we will never be the same again and having such confidence will provide us
sanity in this treasure-crazed world!
Let’s
talk again!
