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The Beauty of Christ
Treasure Hunters
Happiness – it’s something we all want but it is hard to find and even harder to hold onto. But as elusive as happiness is, that doesn’t stop us from seeking it in all kinds of places.
Jesus Himself illustrates this for us in one of His Kingdom parables.
The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Matthew 13:44 (NASB)
I love that picture. It is a picture of you and of me, consummate but indiscriminate treasure-hunters, grasping the first thing that we see, convinced that it is the source of life.
The world encourages us in this futile pursuit. We pour endless time and energy into financial success, positions of power, pleasing others, and arranging a pain free life. Like fool’s gold, the possibilities sparkle with potential but let us down in the end. And the pursuit goes on.
Tirelessly, we gather these empty baubles, collect them, and show them off to others. “By the way, did I mention that my little Susie won the award for the best colorer in her pre-school.?” Or, “I just got the new super-dooper, mega-monster, make your life completely better appliance. It’s to die for.” Or even, “I went to 17 committee meetings and made 12 meals for the homeless and indigent this morning – how was your day?”
The Search Goes On
All our treasures… they seem so important, so satisfying, until the glow fades and the emptiness returns. The search must go on.
Just like us, this crazy man in the parable had treasures, lots of them. But then one day, on his ever widening, ever frantic search for the next best thing, the thing that would keep him happy for a least a week or two, he saw the treasure to end all treasures, the REAL treasure, the one that would never grow old, never break, never go out of style, never go away, and always bring satisfaction. In his hunt for the latest new thing, by the grace of God, he found the one true treasure – the one that somehow eclipsed them all.
In the bright light of true treasure, all this man’s efforts at building his reputation, his people-pleasing, his possessions, his self-indulgent lifestyle were exposed for the temporary, artificial, life-sapping things they really were.
The True Treasure
All of a sudden, he couldn’t wait to run home, take all things that had entranced his soul and sell them to make sure he got that one treasure, the only true treasure, the One in whom all else pales – Jesus Christ.
Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:2-3 (NIV)
I am your shield, your exceeding great reward.
Genesis 15:1 (KJV)
Jesus is my treasure. Jesus is all I need.
Listen to audio “The Beauty of Christ” & Learn:
Intellectually, we know that having a vital, intimate, and growing relationship with God is worth more than anything the world has to offer. Intellectually. But somehow, it doesn’t always seem to work itself out that way in our hearts and our lives. Why doesn’t it? How can you take that Scriptural truth and make it your all consuming reality, your single-minded passionate pursuit?
- Incorporate the wonder of Jesus into the daily-ness of life
- Rediscover a peace that can yours in spite of circumstances
- Rekindle the flame of your devotion into an all consuming fire
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Other Great Articles You May Enjoy:
Transformational Love
Imitation of Christ
It’s All About Me - Or Is It?
The Beauty of Christ
Grace Like Rain
Hold Fast
Desiring God
Power to Love
Jesus Loves Me
Life Out of Control
God’s Purpose for Your Life
Faith First
Enjoy Christ
