What do you own that has the most material value? You might say your house, property you own, or your vehicle. Isn’t it interesting that material possessions with the highest monetary value often fluctuate and depreciate over time? The moment we drive a new car off the lot, it’s value is diminished. A house may increase in value, but in a constantly shifting economic market, the value of our homes is about as stable as a bird’s nest in a wind storm.
We chase after these straw houses and toy cars with such vigor, only to realize later in life that we didn’t actively pursue the things that really matter.
Think of the merchant Jesus described in a parable in Matthew 13. He spent precious time and energy searching for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he sold everything he owned to buy it. This story is not a lesson in better business savvy or a guide to get-rich-quick.
Jesus teaches us what ought to be of utmost importance and value in our lives–the kingdom of God.
“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 13:45-46
Do we treasure God’s kingdom with such passion that we would be willing to lose everything to gain it? Do we cherish the very presence of God as we prize the most precious of treasures? Do we long for, yearn, and eagerly await the day when Jesus will return for His bride?
God knows what we need on this earth. He knows we are in need of food, shelter, and transportation. He tells us in Matthew 6 not to worry about how we will feed and clothe ourselves. We will one day feast with the Lord at the wedding supper of the Lamb, and we will be eternally clothed in His righteousness and holiness (Revelation 19:7-9)!
When we dine with Him in His kingdom, I don’t think we will be discussing mortgages and interest rates, or how much we had saved in our 401K. God invites us to pursue His kingdom, to actively look for Him as we would fine pearls; to value our eternal residence with Him higher than anything else.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
The definition of seek has four significant meanings:
1.) to resort to; go to
2.) to go in search of; to look for
3.) to ask for
4.) to try to acquire or gain
As we go to our Father in search of His Kingdom, we can ask for what we need. His provision. His protection. His presence.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7
When He opens the door, we will gain exceedingly abundantly, more than we could ever ask or imagine!
So let’s seek His Kingdom. Let’s search for glimpses of His glory, and we will experience a marvelous taste of heaven on earth. [bctt tweet=”Seek God’s kingdom. Search for glimpses of His glory, and you will experience a taste of heaven on earth. ” username=””] In a world of moral filth and muck, we must earnestly chase after the pearls of His righteousness, holiness and purity–pearls that will never depreciate or diminish.
So clothe yourself in garments of the Kingdom! Treasure Him more than your very life. Trust God to provide what you need. He will give your daily bread, and so much more! Pursue His righteousness, peace, and joy–precious pearls that will gleam and glimmer into eternity.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit… Romans 14:17
Linking with these lovely bloggers here!
You may be interested in
Free Fall and Thanksgiving Themed Bible Journaling Printables- Praying with Victory Bible Study Insights (Plus 25 Powerful Bible Verses About Victory)
- 15 Bible Verses about Renewing and Healing our Minds
- Seven Scriptures for when you Feel Forgotten and Rejected
- 10 Fun and Creative Ways to Study the Bible
- 17 Powerful Prayers of Gratitude (with Free Bible Study)
Such a good read!
Thanks Lauren! So happy you stopped by today! 🙂
Wonderful! If only there was a button in people’s hearts where you could turn this on at! I don’t see that many people getting this, but it is key! Pinned, great post!
Thanks Sherry! A button sure would be nice, wouldn’t it? Hopefully as we pursue Christ, others will take notice of the joy we have in our lives and run after Him with the same vigor and passion! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
This passage and truth have always been dear to my heart. It turned my life around as a young mom. Helped me set the priorities I needed. Reminds me of Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet being affirmed that only one thing was truly needed. Oh how His way is so much less complicated than we make it out to be. Lol Great post Christin:) Blessings to you friend!
Thanks so much, Gretchen! I am definitely living in that season of small children, and need those constant reminders to get quiet and still before the Lord, seek His face, and trust Him each step of the way! I long to be a “Mary” at Jesus’ feet and pursue what truly matters. Thanks for visiting today! I so treasure your words of encouragement!
I think of valuable as the precious “things” I have of my mother’s or the memories I have shared with her and my Daddy or sisters. Yet, Jesus is the true answer to the question and I thank you for reminding me of such a gift of love He gave me.
Oh yes, Linda! He gives us many precious gifts to treasure in this life! Thanks so much for stopping by, and I am so glad you have such great memories with your family!
Priorities, priorities, priorities! Love this, Christin! God first and pursuing His pecious pearls, all else will fall into place.
Love this and love you! Thanks for sharing hope at #MomentsofHope!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Oh Lori! Always such a privilege to have you visit! Thank you for your sweet encouragement and words of wisdom!
I read about cutting up your new blouse to fix the old. I can see me doing just that spiritually, and I never realized I was doing it.
Thanks so much for reading, Rebecca! That was such a powerful revelation God gave me, and I think I need to write a full post about it! You are a blessing!
Love this…”chase after the pearls of His righteousness, holiness and purity–pearls that will never depreciate or diminish.” It brings a lot of perspective!
Thanks so much Crystal! You are such a blessing, and your ministry is amazing! Many blessings to you this week, and thanks for stopping by! 🙂
For the glory of His Kingdom we did just that, sold it all, went to the mission field with New Tribes Missions. We have served in two countries, lived more life then most people ever thing about and have no regrets. Has it been hard, yes, sometimes incredible hard but for the sake of telling others about His Kingdom I would do it all over again. Love this line,,,,Treasure Him more than you very life.
Praise God, Betty! What a beautiful testimony of what it truly means to pursue His Kingdom! It reminds me of Philippians 3:8 where Paul boldly declares, “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ…” When we lose our lives for the sake of the Kingdom, we gain everything in Him! Blessings to you and your family, and thank you for answering His mighty call on your life!
So true! After having several things stolen, I finally had to realize that things are not of kingdom value, but should are of kingdom value. Seeking after God has to come first, not seeking after things. Bless you for breaking this down for us. Christin, keep shining His light- you are beautiful inside and out.
Oh, bless you, Erin! Thank you for your sweet and encouraging words! Yes, we definitely need to be reminded that we cannot hold too tightly to the material things of this world! Thanks for visiting, and may God continue to bless you beyond anything this world has to offer!