Submitted by Stephen
Trainer
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure
that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and
sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. Matthew 13:44
An upside down life is excited to exchange that which the
world calls valuable for something worth far more. Before we can do so,
however, we must trust the appraisal. Do you believe the Kingdom of God is worth it?
Every time I read this passage, I am reminded of a
conversation with a friend several years ago. We were about to start a youth
service when we heard the news that Apple co-founder Steve Jobs had just died.
At this time, Apple was the most valuable publicly-traded company on earth, and
had more cash-on-hand than the United States Treasury. But what would happen
now that the visionary was gone?
My next statement was nothing short of genius, at least in
my mind. I proclaimed that anyone with enough wisdom to buy Apple stock the
next day would make a fortune. The market would react to Jobs’ passing causing
Apple stock to fall, but would eventually rebound resulting in paper
millionaires aplenty. I quietly reflected on this profound statement of mine,
almost astonished at my own brilliance.
My friend looked me in the eye and said, “You don’t believe
that. If you did, you would sell everything you have right now and buy Apple
stock.”
I was taken aback, mostly because he was right. I talked a
big game, but I didn’t believe it enough to risk anything. I never bought Apple
stock. In fact, I didn’t do anything at all.
For many of us, it is that way with God’s kingdom. We quote
passages and make profound statements, but we don’t believe it enough to risk
anything. What is God calling you to
risk for the sake of the kingdom? Do you
believe the kingdom of God is worth it?
Lord, Your Kingdom is worth it! Show me
where I have placed too much value in things of this world and teach me to
always find value in Your Kingdom.
