What is the most valuable thing in your life? Some would say family—a spouse, children or parent. Others would list career, education or material possessions. Those struggling with sickness would likely say that health tops the list. Jesus illustrated this same question with two tiny parables (Matthew 13:44-46).
He told of two people who stumbled upon treasures. In both tales the message is the same: Our relationship with Jesus is of such great value that we ought to be prepared to give everything we have in order to possess it (Matthew 13:44,46).
Now it’s important not to misapply these parables. We have nothing of value that we can offer to God (Isaiah 64:6). We can’t buy our way into heaven, for our salvation is “a gift from God” (Ephesians 2:8-9). But Scripture does speak of our salvation as a ‘come [and] buy’ transaction of divine grace (Isaiah 55:1-2 NIV; Matthew 13:44-46; Revelation 3:18). I exchange my unrighteousness for Jesus’ righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9). His life for my life (John 10:10; Romans 6:8-9; Galatians 2:20). I can’t have treasure above unless I give up my treasures here below. The rich young ruler in Luke 18:17-24 wasn’t prepared to sell all his earthly possessions in order to have treasure in heaven (Luke 18:22). So he went away very sad (Luke 18:23).
Both men in Matthew 13:44-46 knew the great risks they were taking in liquidating all their assets. They weren’t wrong in assessing what is truly valuable (Philippians 3:7-8). Missionary Jim Elliot confidently said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
Jesus is saying to you: “Sell all your possessions . . . . Then come, follow Me” (Luke 18:22). He promises you “treasure in heaven” and “a rich and satisfying life” on earth (John 10:10).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 7:1-31
More:
Consider Moses’ example in Hebrews 11:24-27. What enabled him to ‘sell’ all that he had on earth to have treasure in heaven?
Next:
What things are you struggling to release into God’s hands? What will happen if you let them go?
roxanne robbins on July 27, 2012 at 9:15 am
Great post, K.T.! The Jim Elliot quote is one of my favorites and so good to consider when making choices about whether to give or keep a possession, chunk of time or finances.
exhilira on July 27, 2012 at 9:25 am
Thank you K.T. for this devotional, your insight about our various struggles. The questions in “Next” hit home for me. My answers: I’m struggling to release regrets and covetousness. If I release them I’ll gain much desired freedom and peace. I long for freedom and peace that lasts. I do and have released them to God, over and over again. However, they return over and over again. Sometimes I feel like Paul who struggled in his “body of death.” And, like him, each time I experience that struggle I turn to Jesus.
winn collier on July 28, 2012 at 9:48 am
and then the heavenly gain returns to the new earth and heavens. splendid.
daisymarygoldr on July 29, 2012 at 9:01 pm
KT you have enunciated very well, the doctrine of ‘suffering the loss of all things that we may gain Christ’, with words like: buy, transaction, exchange, give up, and sell all. Why sell all, why not simply give it away? We give away stuff that is of no use to us. Jesus wants us to part with possessions that we value and cherish. If we are not able to endure the loss of our belongings, then it clearly shows where our heart belongs. The principle is to not cling to anything or anyone other than Christ.
Can’t we have both earthly and heavenly treasure at the same time? No, because it is not possible to pursue both temporal and eternal riches. We cannot keep our eyes focused on the two simultaneously. What if we managed to maintain a balance—i.e. have material wealth and also spiritual riches? This is exactly the characteristic of lukewarm Christians with divided hearts. Let us not be deceived, material possessions are a stumbling block to a believer’s faith. Any wonder why “God chose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom?” (James 2:5)
Well then, what about Christians blessed with smart brains, well-paid jobs, and by virtue of their abilities or an inheritance, become rich? To such, the instruction is to share it with the needy in order to store up treasure for the future (1 Timothy 6: 18-19). Point is: for disciples of Jesus Christ this life is not about seeking to gain worldly wealth. In God’s perspective, what counts as eternal wealth is in how richly we invest our assets in caring for lost souls.
To sell all earthly possessions, we need eyes of faith to see the treasure in heaven. Even though Moses lived way before Jesus came, he exchanged the treasures of Egypt for sufferings for the sake of Christ. While there are followers who sold their all to follow Christ, Jesus is not teaching us to sell all our property and become paupers. The cost of discipleship is to be sold out to Christ and His Kingdom. So in a practical sense, when God blesses us with substantial salary or a big house, He will take account of how we use these gifts to bring people to the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
tom felten on July 31, 2012 at 3:07 pm
Thanks for your insights, daisy. I’m reminded of what Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, ““No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
jobert on July 31, 2012 at 6:38 am
Amen.