A Parable for American Christians.

A few days back me and a teammate of mine went to a local coffee shop to meet with a friend of ours that we’ve crossed paths with since being here in Prizren. As she and I were sitting there talking about the Lord and His goodness, our new Muslim friend who owns the cafe came over to me and pointed to my bible open on the table. He said rather directly, “Read to me what you are reading.” 

I read to Him the short parable I’ve been captivated by recently, the parable of the Hidden Treasure. One of Jesus’s shortest and concise teachings, but one that invites you to consider your life and the treasures of your heart. 

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Matthew 13:44

After hearing the parable he looked at me and asked mildly concerned, “Is that a true story?” I told him I didn’t think so, but that it is the invitation Christ extends to those who hear of the kingdom of heaven. 

…in all his JOY he goes and sells all that he has. When we encounter the Kingdom, all should be counted as loss. The grandeur of the Lord and His eternal presence is worth ridding all things to know the King and come into His presence. 

I believe Paul knew this all too well when he said;

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:8

As a Christian American, this is one of the greatest struggles I’ve faced. To strip away the all too comfortable idols of materialism and earthly riches is a fight that I’m still well within. When I indulge in self-gratification, I miss the kingdom. Christ says blessed are the poor…why? They aren’t tied to what is here temporarily on earth, rather, they understand the riches of heaven! He says ‘woe to those who are rich, for you have received your consolation’. 

“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:20-21

My prayer for you reading is this;

Dearest Lord, may our heart desire be to know you and to give you all we have to be used for your glory. Take away our self-focused life and the idolatry of earthly riches. Jesus, you have shown us the value of the Kingdom and its treasure. So let us give away ourselves to be purified in our hearts that we might honor you with a fullness of joy! You alone are worthy and we want to know you deeper without distraction. Let your kingdom come and your will be done. Amen.