Insurance or treasure?

In my safe box at home there are some documents that are of considerable valuable, but I never look at them, read them, or consider their worth. They are insurance policies! In the event of my death, Bev would present them to the companies that back them and collect funds that would insure her financial security. I am glad that I have the policies, but I do not really treasure them. Many Believers regard Christianity much the same way as I regard my life insurance, valued but not treasured! They are glad to know that they can pray when times get tough, glad to have the assurance that Heaven awaits when this journey is over - but meanwhile - they are chasing other dreams, spending their time and money to own trinkets of temporal value.

The Gospel message is frequently cheapened in our time. Jesus is reduced to Heavenly Buddy, instead of Lord of Glory. From some presentations of the "gospel" a person could conclude that knowing Jesus is accomplished by saying a little prayer that expresses regret for past misdeeds (we don't even use the word 'sin' since it is so judgmental) and inviting "Jesus to come into my heart." After that, the only thing to do is to show up in church sort of regularly and put some money in the offering plate. And that's being a Christian! Jesus says otherwise! In a couple of short parables He declares that knowing Him and experiencing the life of the Kingdom requires sacrifice, effort, and commitment.

Read it for yourself. Jesus said, "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." (Matthew 13:44-46, NIV)

I can hear you asking, "So, Jerry, are you saying that we 'earn' our salvation? Are you suggesting that the what Jesus did for us on the Cross is not sufficient to save us?" Not for a moment. We can do nothing to add to our salvation, which is fully and freely provided by God through Jesus Christ. But, the life that has the goal of intimately knowing Christ, being a valuable citizen of the Kingdom, is one that requires difficult choices, self-denial, and a focus on a different treasure than fame or wealth. When a person is pursuing the Kingdom as his treasure, every decision is made in the light of serving Him and of seeking His will. It does not allow us to 'do what we want to do' in any given situation. Rather, we do what He wants done - forgiving those who wrong us, loving those who do not love in return, giving away our resources without calculating benefit to ourselves, taking on responsibilities we would rather leave to another, and so on.

Jesus again makes it clear that grace is free, but not cheap, when He says, " One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, "Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be my disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple. " (Luke 14:25-27, The Message) "Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple." (Luke 14:33, The Message)

Believer, ask the Holy Spirit to help you evaluate your life today.
Honestly ask yourself -
"Is knowing Jesus a matter of having insurance or is He my Treasure? Am I keeping Him handy for times of crisis, or loving Him with my whole soul, mind, heart, and strength?"

And, then choose to own the Pearl of Great Price, for there is nothing and no one to compare with Him!
________________________

All I once held dear, built my life upon,
All this world reveres, and wars to own,
All I once thought gain I have counted loss;
Spent and worthless now, compared to this.

Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You,
There is no greater thing.
You're my all, You're the best,
You're my joy, my righteousness,
And I love You, Lord.

Now my heart's desire is to know You more,
To be found in You, and known as Yours,
To possess by faith what I could not earn;
All surpassing gift of righteousness.

Oh to know the power of Your risen life,
And to know You in Your sufferings,
To become like You in Your death, my Lord;
So with You to live, and never die.

Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You,
There is no greater thing.
You're my all, You're the best,
You're my joy, my righteousness,
And I love You, Lord.

Knowing You© 1993 Make Way Music (Admin. by Music Services)Graham Kendrick CCLI License No. 810055