Perhaps Will really was obsessed with treasure. But then he saw Elizabeth, in obvious danger. His perspective changed and the “treasure of Cortez” faded before him. An even greater treasure stood before him.
The question then for us is, “what is it that we treasure?” Sure there is the obvious answer of money and possessions, but what other things have captured our heart, like Will’s, for good or ill? I hope the answers out there include: family, friends, Jesus, great art, good books and a well cooked meal. Those are good and wonderful gifts from God and worthy of our admiration.
So, is there a problem with that? Not necessarily, but if those things we “treasure” become more valuable to us than God, then yes, there is a problem. I have been reading through Ezekiel lately and God’s anger at Israel is directly related to the fact that they no longer “treasure” Him. They have replaced God with idols and other pursuits. Honestly, in my life, I need to be careful that my hobbies, and even my kids and wife don’t become more important to me than God.
Do you struggle with the same thing? Check out these verses and consider the glory of God, the greatest treasure one can know.
[Moses] regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. Hebrews 11: 26-27 [NIV]
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34 [NIV]
Question: What about you? What “treasures” compete with God for your allegiance? How do you keep God as your greatest treasure? Please share your thoughts below; we love to hear from you!
Michael Anderson
Keynote, Associate Director of Development
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Thanks, Mike. Great perspective. It’s easy for us to SAY that God is #1 in our lives, it’s another thing all together to LIVE that way.