In a day where most focus on what we can get, Jesus spoke of a people who would sacrifice all to follow Him. The standards and values of this world are completely contrary to the kingdom life that we are called to. Paul counted all things lost to knowing Christ. So much so that he was dead to the world and the world was dead to him.
What we value needs to match up with God’s standard rather than the standards of this world. Our hearts need to be captured by the brilliance and value of this Pearl of Great Price, Jesus.
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.
Matthew 13:45-46
There are multiple options of where we can spend our pursuit, devotion, time and efforts. Wherever we decide to put the majority of our time and resources is what we value the most.
The merchant in this parable is searching and seeking for “beautiful pearls” not knowing that he is going to stumble onto this great discovery of a pearl that far surpasses all the others in value.
When we really see just how valuable Jesus is we are willing to take all that we have, laying it all down, just to have this One Pearl. Jesus came down to become like us and because of His love for us, paid the greatest price for us to the pleasure of His Father.
Again, 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.
Matthew 13:34
The Treasure of His Life
Have you ever had something so valuable that you just wanted to keep it in the most safe place? That is how we should treasure the Presence of the Lord. When we find Him, discovering the life in His Presence within us, we want to keep that treasure safe in our hearts. The goodness of His words, promises and the Person of Who He is has eternal value for our lives. This man in the parable above finds the treasure hidden in this field. He was seeking something. When he finds this treasure he is overjoyed. He immediately goes to sell all he has to buy the field. He bought the entire field just to get the treasure!
Motivated to Pay the Price
We need to be willing to pay the price, raise the standard and live exemplary lives that carry His life and Presence. This is much more than salvation. Salvation just gets us through the door of God’s kingdom. This is about our lives, the price we are willing to pay to live the way God calls us to.
The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing;
Proverbs 13:4
But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich
(fat as contained in oil, anointed and prosperous).
h1878 – to be fat, grow fat, become fat, become prosperous, anoint.
When Jesus becomes this most valuable pearl in our eyes we are willing to go above and beyond to bring pleasure to the Father’s heart. Through this we live in the fullness and fatness of His Presence. The Lord gives us diligent hearts to seek Him so that we may be conduits of His glory and exemplify His nature.