Pastor’s Corner: “Undervalued Treasure”
Philippians 3:7-9 (NLT) – 7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him.
In 1991, Teri Horton was looking for a gift for a friend. In a thrift store, she came across a large canvas covered with colorful drips and splatters. Even though Teri thought it was ugly, she bought it for five dollars. Her friend thought it was ugly too and gave it back to Teri. So, Teri tried selling the painting at a garage sale. An art teacher spotted the painting and suggested that it might be the work of the famous artist, Jackson Pollock. Teri responded, “Who is Jackson Pollock?” She had no idea that her five-dollar painting might be worth millions of dollars.
Many of the Jewish people living in the first century were in a similar situation. They had something extremely valuable but did not realize it. God had given the Jewish people a special place in his family and had promised that the Savior of the world would come from them. But when the Savior came, they saw no value in him. They rejected him and hung him on a cross. Even though Jesus proved that he was the Messiah, they doubted.
This still happens today, even in the church. Many may know about Jesus, talk about Jesus and sing about Jesus, but they completely undervalue what they have. They go through the motions of being a Christian without knowing the true value of the precious savior right in front of them. Instead, they value and treasure things of this world which will pass away.
Claiming to know someone usually means we know facts about the person or simply are aware he or she exists. Unfortunately, that is how too many Christians “know” Jesus Christ—they’re aware He is the world’s Savior, who died in our place and rose again to sit at the Father’s right hand. Those are the facts, but simply collecting data won’t bring lasting satisfaction. Instead, ask, Who is this Jesus, and why did He willingly give up His life for me? The search for answers begins a journey to intimacy and true knowledge and value of Him.
The Apostle Paul knew the value of his dear savior. He was willing to let go of any treasures of this world for the incomparable riches of knowing Christ Jesus. He fully understood and lived the parable Jesus taught: Matthew 13:45-46 (NLT) – 45 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. 46 When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!
How about you? Do you undervalue your savior? Are you missing the great treasure that is already in your possession? What do you spend the most time and energy pursuing? What are you proudest of in your life? What pursuits bring you the most joy? What things really define who you are? There lies your true treasure and your heart. You may not be rejecting or crucifying Jesus, but are you relegating the maker and savior of the world, the lover of your soul to 2nd place? 3rdplace? 4thplace in your life? Are you missing the greatest joy and treasure in the world and settling for garbage instead? What are you willing to let go of in order to experience true joy, love and peace that will satisfy your soul? Don’t underestimate and undervalue the treasure of knowing Jesus!
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton