| As a child growing up on the banks of the Ohio river, I used to imagine that pirates could have buried treasure in my back yard or somewhere close by. Maybe I had an over-active imagination as a child, but I want you to use your imagination for just a moment.
Suppose that, based on reliable information, you knew for certain that there was a treasure worth millions of dollars buried in your backyard. Question: What would you do?
Well, if you’re anything like me, your back yard would be full of pot holes. Maybe those holes would be made with a pick and shovel, or maybe you rented some heavy machinery. But one thing of which I am certain is that you would not quit looking after the first empty hole you dug. Neither would you quit if you found the work to be difficult and time consuming. Would you not invest all you have into discovering that treasure? Of course, you would.
But now, here’s my point. Solomon said we need to seek wisdom, understanding, and knowledge like we would a buried treasure. He said, “If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:4 ‐5).
Question: Are we pursuing the knowledge of God as we would a buried treasure? Are we as diligent digging into the word of God for spiritual treasures as we would be digging in our back yard for silver and gold? Or is our quest for godly wisdom and knowledge easily side-tracked by more important ventures?
Why would Christians willfully make life decisions to absent themselves from Bible study and worship? I don’t know any other conclusion than they are either ignorant of the treasure of God’s word and its promises, or they are more interested and driven by temporal, earthly treasures than eternal, spiritual treasures.
Maybe we need to rethink our priorities. After all, the mother of all treasure chests would pale in comparison to the treasures that can be uncovered in the word of God. |
