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.
Matthew 13:44-46
A few weeks ago I was listening to an interview with a Christian songwriter. He had credits in some of the most famous worship songs of the last few decades including co-writing ‘How Great is our God’ with Chris Tomlinson. However, he had grown cynical of the industry. He saw how people acted behind the scenes and the ways that they used people for their personal gain. He couldn’t listen to worship music any more and banned it from his house altogether.
“They all start out well,” he said, “but there is a shift that happens.”
He explained the they all start out the same way - Less of me and more of you. It’s not about money or fame, but the glory of God. When you live your life like this you will see fruit and blessings. But then something shifts and we start to think - more of me and more of you. Which still kinda of sounds good. We want to see God glorified. Make me strong so that I can help others. But then we shift and its - more of you for more of me. Their values shifted and it happens so slowly that they never noticed.
I have seen what he is describing happen so many times. I have seen it happen in my own heart. The shift is subtle but it changes everything. We stop pursuing God’s Kingdom and start to dream of our own. Worship becomes about our experience rather than God’s praise. We start to pick and choose what is convenient and what will bless us. The short term voice that longs for present riches and a better experience distracts us from the pearl of great value.
And we get surprised when our lives start to feel shallow. We wonder whether faith works at all.
In this passage, Jesus reminds us how valuable the Kingdom is. It is worth more than anything. In fact, everything that we give up for the glory of God can only be considered an investment because we are securing our future in a far more glorious place and building a far greater future. Jesus warns us, that to follow him is to go all in. Less of me and more of you.
Reflect
- What resonated today with you?
- Why do you think that the Kingdom is so valuable?
- How does your time and finances reflect your priorities?
Respond
Take a moment to reflect on your heart. Have you begrudged the sacrifices that Jesus has led you towards or have you ignored them? Is your heart for God today? Or have other things come in between you?
