“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Matthew 13:44-45

How many times have you read these two stories? How many of us are still looking for hidden treasure or a priceless pearl? What is it exactly that we value? I’m speaking to me (and maybe only me at this point).

In these two brief paragraphs, Jesus describes the value of the Gospel. It is worth giving up everything else this world has to offer, but then we don’t.

In John 10:10, Jesus reminds us that the “thief only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” The abundant life is what Jesus promises.

A life without Christ is a life not worth living because it does end in destruction and death. So why is it, we often pursue everything but what is truly valuable?

I think it may be that we don’t really value the treasure of the Gospel. We prefer something else. Consider these words in John’s first epistle –

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

1 John 2:15-17

Let’s not get distracted by the love of pleasure or stuff or power. Let’s turn our back on everything that is not honoring Christ and pursue the true abundant life.