Proverbs 3:13-14. 13Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, 14for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.
What is the most valuable thing that you have?
Did you immediately think of a material possession? Your home? Your car? Maybe something with a bit more sentimental value? Here in Proverbs 3, Solomon would say that wisdom is the most valuable thing you can have, and that understanding is far more valuable than silver and gold.
Jesus would say it this way, “What does it profit a person if they gain the whole world but lose their own soul?” Jesus was obviously agreeing with Solomon, warning us that we can try to get more and more things in this world but in the process we can fail to trust him for what we need. Especially our need for the non-material graces of life, like forgiveness, kindness, and mercy.
Sadly, we are all so prone to make the greatest mistake a person can make in this life – gaining the riches of Earth while neglecting the riches of Heaven. We live in a world that thinks that making as much money as possible is the way to be happy. Consumerism and authenticity walk hand in hand. To be your true self you must never deny yourself what you want. But Proverbs says that real happiness (blessed) comes from the wisdom of fearing God and trusting him with all our heart, knowing him in all your ways. This relationship with God is the pearl of great price, the hidden treasure in a field.
Union with Christ has exposed the hidden treasure. Knowing God, trusting God, fearing God are no longer abstracts, they are materialized in Jesus. The hidden God has been made known, the invisible God made visible. Not only in the historic Christ, but now also in us as we make Christ our greatest treasure.
You: What do you value most in this life?In what way might you be seeking material wealth over knowing Christ?
You in Christ: Have you ever been through a difficult time when only Christ could satisfy your soul?
Christ in you: How can you make it known that Christ is your greatest treasure? What priority or choice might need to change?
Pray: Father, knowing you in Christ is my treasure. He is my profit. Help me to be wise and trust you more than worldly success. Amen.
To Live is Christ 