Jesus is now teaching the people in parables. I’m going to skip one (we’ll come back to it) and go on to these two, since it applies so well to starting a new year.

Matthew 13:44

44 "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

The Lord here likens the heavenly kingdom to a hidden treasure, and the world is analogous to the field. Notice that the man is not searching for it, and has no idea that it is there, but stumbles upon it.

When he sees it, he recognizes that this treasure is more valuable than all his worldly possessions, so he sacrifices everything to possess it.

45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls,

46 and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

This merchant KNOWS the treasure is there, and is seeking for it. He finds it, and comes to the same conclusion that the farmer came to – this treasure is more valuable than anything he has, because it has eternal value.

As a Christian, you have to live your life knowing that nothing in this world is more valuable than your relationship with Jesus Christ. If we truly value that relationship above all else, then we will sacrifice whatever is required to continue to mature in that relationship!

Look at this familiar passage where Jesus talks about this same principle:

Matthew 6:19-21

19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;

21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The treasures of the earth WILL NOT SATISFY YOU. As a believer, God has designed you so that only the true happiness of God is good enough for you. His happiness is only found in following His plan for our lives. Anyway, earthly treasures can only be enjoyed in time, heavenly treasures can be enjoyed for all of eternity.

The poor man thinks that money can buy happiness; the rich man knows that it cannot.

How much time do we spend in the consideration of worldly treasures? Look what Solomon, maybe the richest man ever, had to say:

Proverbs 23:4-5

4 Do not weary yourself to gain wealth,

Cease from your consideration of it.

5 When you set your eyes on it, it is gone.

For wealth certainly makes itself wings

Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens.

There is nothing wrong with having treasures while we are here on earth. The problem is that we are bombarded every day with the idea that earthly treasures will solve our problems, and give us happiness. It’s simply not an option for the Christian. Our challenge as believers is to keep our spiritual priorities in order, so that these details of life don’t distract us from our spiritual advance.

Keeping these priorities straight, by continuing in His Word and His plan, will give you the capacity to enjoy the details of life as they are added to you by God, without being distracted from fulfilling His plan for your life.