Stop and consider for a moment, “What is the most valuable thing in the world?” I did a Google search using those very words and do you know what came up? A long list of websites that itemize the most expensive things in the world. For example, antimatter, which is a substance that could possibly fuel spaceships to other planets, is listed as the most expensive item in the world by weight. Its cost? $100 trillion per gram.
I am sure that you would agree, though, that there is a vast difference between the most expensive thing in the world and the most valuable thing in the world. A man’s house may be the most expensive thing he owns, but his family and his health are worth far more to him. The most valuable things in the world are items that you can’t put a price tag on.
In Matthew 13:44-46, Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” In these verses, the treasure and the pearl represent the great salvation that one receives when he accepts Jesus as his Savior. Salvation, provided through the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, is without question, the most valuable possession in all of the world. With it, you come to know God, the creator of the world, through Jesus Christ, you find forgiveness of your sins, and you gain a reservation in heaven. Without it, you are separated from God, you are still in your sins, and you are headed toward an eternal hell.
How valuable is salvation to you? In Matthew 13, Jesus indicates that when we find it, we should be willing to do whatever it takes to possess it. Now, it is important to note that, unlike the treasure in the parable, salvation is free. However, you must be willing to confess and repent of your sins to obtain it. Salvation is a gift from God (by grace), but you receive it by praying to God to forgive your sins. It also involves repenting of your sins, which is a turning away from them. This does not make you a perfect human being, but your heart’s desire will then be to please Christ.
So I ask you again, how valuable is salvation to you? Do you see the infinite value of knowing God and making sure that your soul is right with Him? I pray that you do. Turn to Him today and experience His life-transforming grace in your life. Then, you will rejoice like the man in Matthew 13, for you will have found the pearl of great price!
