Having traveled to various developing nations, I have found that some of the countries that are the richest are the poorest!

What do I mean by that? A nation may possess a plethora of natural resources, but if they are not intentional about tapping into and developing those resources they will remain in poverty.

The same is true in the Kingdom of God. We have been given an abundance of grace for every good work. We have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (See Ephesians 1:3). Surely, there is no shortage in Him!

Yet, if we would experience all that Christ has made available to us, we must dig to deeper depths where the treasure is found! “…And if you look for it [wisdom] as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:4-5)

We have a Treasure in Christ

If you were made aware that a veritable fortune was buried on your land, how would you respond? Would you say, “One of these days, when I have time, I will search for the treasure.” No, you would not postpone searching for the treasure! You would put all other events in your life on hold and immediately begin excavating until that treasure was in your possession!

The truth is that in Christ we have a treasure that is of greater worth than all the riches of this world. The Scriptures say of Christ our Wisdom: “For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.” (Proverbs 3:14-15, New Living Translation)

By and large, we have neglected this treasure and left it buried in the ground of our lives! We have failed to discern the value of what we have been given in Christ!

How was it that Moses so willingly walked away from the power and prestige that was his as a prominent leader of one of the richest nations on the earth of his time? (Think about it! That would be equivalent to Bill Gates today relinquishing his position and forsaking his wealth to follow Christ!) It was because of the revelation he possessed of the worth of Christ! “By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” (Hebrews 11:24-26 Emphasis Added)

It is so easy for us to depreciate the value of spiritual riches that has been given to us in Christ! That is why we need the Holy Spirit’s help. Paul prays for the saints: “… that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.” (Ephesians 1:17-19)

First Priority: Seeking the Kingdom

Many today do not appreciate the treasure they have in Christ! This is evidenced by the fact that they are seeking after the material things in this life and not the glory and honor of the Living God! The LORD told Abram that He was his “…exceedingly great reward” (see Genesis 15:1). The Bible says that where our treasure is there our heart will be also (Matthew 6:21). In other words, that which we invest our lives into the most (time, money, effort) reflects what we value preeminently!

Priority number one for us as Christians should be the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). We are exhorted to, “Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20). When we invest in eternity, we actually position ourselves to experience the benefits of the economy of God’s Kingdom which is “recession-proof” for both now and eternity!

The Lord has covenanted to meet every need we have: “My God shall supply all your need,” Paul declared. Such resources are inexhaustible as it is not derived from the economy of this world that is subject to change. Its’ source is the economy of the Kingdom of Heaven also known as “…riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

No matter what you are currently experiencing in life, know that the Lord has made available to you “…all things pertaining to life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3) Are you in a season of scarcity? Does it seem that you are being stretched to the breaking point? Are you unable to find a way out on your own? The word of the Lord is, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33, New Living Translation)

In other words, “focus on the eternal; invest your life in that.” Such an investment can’t go wrong according to Jesus as it pays dividends for this life and for eternity:

“So Jesus answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time – houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions – and in the age to come, eternal life.” (Mark 10:29-30)