Our Greatest Treasure – Steve Orr

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In our Divine Treasure Hunt series, we pondered where the divine treasure is. Now, going beyond the where, let us consider the what.

What is the worth? Given that the treasure is divine, it must be rich beyond our comprehension. I picture the elaborately ornate New Jerusalem described in Revelation and think, “And we’re going to live there? Our treasures are rich indeed!”

So, how can we be good stewards of our treasure? Consider Jesus’ parable in the gospel of Luke:

And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.'” (Luke 12:16-18)

This man was rich because he used wisdom to care for his harvest. He didn’t just let it spoil. Perhaps he planned to share it with others in need.

This reminds me of what an avid gardener said: “Grow more than you need and give away what you don’t use.” I’ve often seen produce shared in church communities when it was at its best during the height of the season. My mouth waters when I think of ripe ears of corn, strawberries, tomatoes, soft peaches, and fresh eggs from grazing, bug-eating chickens.

On good years, when our raspberry crop is overabundant, we invite folks to come and help with the harvest. Of course, we enjoy our produce by eating, drinking, and being merry with our friends, like in the parable. Even Jesus did that and was criticized for it (Matthew 9:10-13, 11:19).

For his first public miracle, Jesus lavished the finest wine on the large crowd present at a family wedding. Evidently, there was so much that the crowd was quite “merry.” How much? About 900 average-sized wine bottles.

Unfortunately, the rich man in the parable was not a giving soul; he selfishly said, “‘And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.’” (Luke 12:19)

It sounds like this farmer was a “prepper” who would get fat while letting others starve. He was talking to himself, “I will say to my soul…” Caring for our souls is God’s job, and this man was living without any thought for God.

Jesus response was focused on the farmer’s soul:

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night, your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:20-21)

Can we see the conflict going on here? Who is in control? This question applies to us, too. Do we allow God in, or do we have control issues?

What is being rich towards God about?

Imagine you’re in a hurry and driving in the rain, a genuine gully washer. You see an old lady about your Mom’s age standing by a flat tire in the downpour. Should we ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” or What would you want someone to do if it was your Mom? Let’s not get into this analysis paralysis and just stop to help the old lady.

Being rich towards God is doing what the Jesus in you would do.

What Is Our Treasure?

Paul directly addresses this question in his first epistle to Timothy. He speaks about people with corrupt minds thinking that godliness brings financial gain. Then, he explains what genuine godliness is and the true worth of our treasure:

Godliness with contentment is a great treasure. We brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out of it. When we are content with food and clothing, and we fight the good fight of our faith, we take hold of eternal life, which is the great treasure God has for us in his storehouse. (1 Timothy 6:6-6; 12 paraphrased)

How does infinite, eternal life compare to earthly wealth and temporary pleasure? There is no comparison.

Our great treasure and great pleasure will be living forever with God and all his gloried children in our new spirit bodies. We can start enjoying the sweet taste of this good fruit here and now because Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.”

Since our relationship with God does not depend on adherence to the Law, we can treasure God’s goodness and kindness by resting in Christ’s finished work on the cross and the out-flowing grace of our loving heavenly Father without a works-based, guilt-driven religion.

Here’s to hoping you drive through the rain one day, see an old lady standing beside her flat tire, and thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to help her out.

Christianity without the Religion is a great way to live!

Steve Orr writes to us from Montana. After working in the mecca of technology, Steve traded the rat race of Silicon Valley for the adventures of High Tech in Big Sky Country. Steve has an MBA with experience in accounting, finance, technology, and management. He occasionally writes a little software code, but mostly he likes writing about Matters of the Heart.