What would you consider your greatest treasure in life? When this question is asked, people will typically give a variety of answers. Some would say their greatest treasure is their family. Kids, parents, siblings, and grandparents should all be important to you. But they shouldn’t be your greatest treasure.
Others might answer that their house is their greatest treasure. Or perhaps a boat; or a car; or maybe some precious heirloom passed down for generations. While all of these may be important, none of them should be your greatest treasure.
Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44 NASB) So the kingdom of Heaven is more precious than anything. And what exactly is implied by the Kingdom of Heaven?
Most people wrongly assume that Heaven is nothing more than their sinful pleasures being indulged to the utmost for eternity. But the cold hard truth is that those who crave and live in sin will never see the Kingdom of Heaven. The glorious and joyous reality of Heaven is that it is the place where we will forever be in the very presence of Christ, where sinning is no longer possible and indeed no sin is allowed. Does it excite you to think of being with Christ forever? If not, then rest assured you’re not a Christian. You may think you are. But if Christ is not your treasure, then your heart has not been changed.
In John 3, Jesus said we must be “born again” to see the Kingdom of Heaven. When this spiritual birth takes place in a sinner’s soul, their life and desires change forever. Though there is still a struggle against sin, there is a newfound hatred for it; and a newfound love for Christ as the all-satisfying treasure of life. Apart from this new birth, no one is saved. Apart from this new birth, you will spend eternity in Hell; a place of unending torment for those who valued other things above Christ.
I encourage you to examine your life and carefully consider whether or not you’re truly a Christian. Jesus taught very clearly that many will think they are saved when they are in fact deceived and perishing. (see Matthew 7) It’s terrifying to consider that so many Americans think they’re saved when they are in fact on a wide road to Hell.
Prayerfully consider your life. Read the Bible passages cited above. And honestly, before God, honestly ask yourself: “Is Christ my greatest treasure?” If there answer is no, repent and beg God to change you. This world will never satisfy your deepest desires. Only Christ is worthy of your greatest devotion. Christ and only Christ…should be your greatest treasure.