January 29, 2008
One of the ministry team members went to Austin,Texas last week to help her mother with an estate sale. In the process of a sale you must place a value on the item your selling. What the items value is to the seller is not necessarily what it is to the buyer. As an example I will use a book.Like most things the value of an old book is worth what someone is willing to pay. Rarity, condition and subject matter all play a part; but it doesn't matter how rare or wonderful the book is, if no one wants to buy it, it isn't worth much on the open market.
Sometimes, as they say, one man's junk is another man's treasure. One person's beat up old book that they found in the attic is a prize someone else will treasure for a lifetime and pass onto their children. So the item and it's value are mostly subjective. This leads to a question I want us all to think about and examine.
What's Christ's death on the cross worth to you?
For some it's the most valuable thing in the world. They'd die rather than denounce it and tens of thousands have shown that to be true.
"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. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:44-46 NIV
For other's it is incidental. It's worth a passing thought for an hour on Sundays, or perhaps an hour at Christmas and Easter.
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16 NIV
For others it is nothing but a foolish notion.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God 1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV
One person can't force another to value Jesus more. That's the futility of Holy wars and the medieval crusades. A conversion that is forced by law or violence isn't a conversion.
Each person must decide on their own what Christ is worth to them. For me, He's the most valuable thing there is. Another might not cross the street to spit on Him. But let me ask you this: "When all is said and done, and your life is at an end, the Bible is clear you will stand in front of God for judgment. How much will your life have shown that you valued Him giving His own life for yours?"
Until next time, may your relationship with the Living Lord be the most valuable thing in your life.
Today, would be a good day to pull out and examine all you have in the light and love of Christ!
Be blessed!
Darrel Mason