The Treasure Principle

Have you ever went treasure hunting as a kid? If you were smart, you went digging with a map. You wouldn't want to dig for buried treasure in your parent's backyard.

Of course, if you recall the popular kids movie, "Goonies" then you were loving the adventure of finding a cavern of treasures.

As you grow up, your search for buried treasure turns into a pursuit for wealth. Of course, we still seek after hidden treasure in the form of a Lotto ticket. The more practical person will pursue "treasure" through the pursuit of wealth building.

What is the Greatest Treasure?
Jesus taught (Matthew 13:44 - “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.") that the greatest treasure in the world is membership in God's Kingdom. In other words, a relationship with a Holy God is the greatest treasure.

Christians lives their lives as if they've won a local bingo prize or some white elephant Christmas gift, when we've won the jackpot of all time. We didn't earn this treasure. We were given this treasure by the sacrifice of our Lord Savior Jesus Christ.

The traveler recognizes the incredible worth of his treasure and "in his joy" (right attitude) goes and "sells everything that he owns" (right actions) for the sake of this treasure.

The sacrifice of our lives and our giving pales in comparison to the sacrifice of God's Son. Is it worth the temporary sacrifice to gain the greatest treasure of all?

When we realize our greatest treasure, then we can starting living out the Treasure Principle.

The Treasure Principle: You can't take it with you, but you can send it on ahead.

Randy Alcorn teaches this biblical principle in his book, "The Treasure Principle." As I've studied this, it's a simple truth. I've always known this principle. But as I've studied it and evaluated my own lifestyle, the significance of this principle is more powerful.

It's hard enough to stay in synch with God's will. I may have heard this lesson at different times in my christian life. But when my heart and life is in synch with the hearing of God's truth, there is a powerful conviction that drives me from the inside out.

There are times when we learn about trials, but when when we're not going through a hardship, the message isn't as powerful and real. When the situation and the sermon connects, amazing things happen. God happens. God works. We are changed.

I'm excited to preach on this topic because it's something that I need to grow in.

I share this past Sunday, that my motive truly is my love for the Vine Family. I want to make sure that you know the Treasure Principle so that you can have a eternal treasures waiting for you in heaven. What is this treasure? Tough to say.

Stay tuned for more about stewardship.

Shalom