One of the things that happens when one retires should be sorting things out and getting rid of most of the boxes & drawers of accumulated “treasures”. The dent I have made in my “savings” so far has been slower than I would like, but I’m not giving up! This reflection includes parts of an article that I hand wrote many years ago and it includes sections attributed to “Insight for Living,” Strengthening Your Grip” by Charles Swindoll. Still the message is a good reminder of the priorities we hold on to. This story can be linked back to two parables in Matthew 13:44 and 13:45-46.

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

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. 45 ”Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

In doing some research about these verses in preparation for this writing, I am reminded that these parables have sometimes been given a wrong interpretation. Remember, if we are interpreting the “pearl” or “treasure” to be Christ, salvation, or the Kingdom of God, they can’t be bought for any price. Christ and His salvation are a free gift of grace from God.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Jesus already paid the price of his total life for you and for me. Still, in response to receiving that gift of Christ’s salvation, a pearl of indescribable value, how does our life change? Consider the following paraphrase:

Pearl of Great Price

“I’d like that pearl. How much does it cost?”

“Oh, it’s very expensive!”

“But I’d really like it. How much?”

“It’s really very expensive.”

“Well, I have a pretty good job. Do you think I can afford it?”

“Oh, yes. Anyone could afford it.”

“But you said it’s very expensive. Well, alright how much?”

“Everything you have.”

“Everything?”

“Yes.”

“Well alright. I’ll take it. I have, ah, about $10,000 in the bank.”

“Alright, what else?”

“That’s all.”

“That’s all?”

“Well, I have a little money here in my pocket.”

“How much?”

“Well, $10, $20, $50, $100, $120. That’s it.”

“What else do you have?”

“Nothing, that’s all my money.’

“Where do you live?”

“Oh, well, in my house.”

“Oh, you own a house? Fine. That comes, too.”

“You mean I have to live in my camper?”

“Oh, you have a camper?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll take that, too.”

“Then I’ll have to live in my car.”

(Writing, yes, car)

“Sighing, two cars.”

“Do you live in your house alone?”

“No, I have a wife and two children.”

“I did say everything. (writing, wife, two children) Oh, and there’s one more thing.”

“What’s that? You have my money, my house, camper, cars, and family.”

“It’s you. I have to have you, too. Now I will let you use all of these things for now, but it’s only on loan to you. Your use of it could change at any time.”

Everything we have is God’s and we remember this if we are true disciples.

“I’ve learned to live with a loose grip on everything – because it hurts so much when God has to pry things out of my hand when I hold on so tightly.” Corey ten Boom

My prayer for you and me is that we work hard to get rid of those things in our lives that we hold on to tighter than our relationship with Christ. Putting Christ first in all things should make getting rid of other “idols” a priority! I promise to make progress; will you?

Blessings to you all.