“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. (Matthew 13:44)

What would you be willing to give up for the Kingdom of God?

The answer is simple, one word required, but very difficult to say with conviction – everything!

To give up everything is a tall order when we start to really examine what that would mean. I could probably part with most of my possessions, but if I had to relinquish my health, my job, my family, even my life, I’d probably start digging my heels in!

In this parable, Jesus says that the man sold EVERYTHING he had to buy the field so that he could claim the treasure. He gave up his entire wealth for something better and more precious.

The kingdom of God is the most precious treasure we will ever find, and it is there for the taking. Jesus has already given everything to buy our salvation. Our response should be joy and wholehearted sacrifice, just like the man and that bought the field. There is nothing better to be found in the whole universe than the Kingdom of God and eternal salvation!

Although it is difficult to imagine having to give up everything for the sake of the gospel, Jesus says that we have to be prepared to go the distance for his glory. It is easier it give something up if there is a better reward for doing so. Yes, we may suffer horrendously and lose everything that we have in this life, but the treasure that we find is infinitely greater than anything we lose. From a purely utilitarian point of view it is ‘the greater good’. It is giving up ham sandwich for a roast dinner, it is trading in a Nissan Micra for a Ferrari!

If faced with a life and death choice I want to be able to say “yes Lord, I freely and joyfully give everything up for you”. There is no way I could do this in my own strength and I pray for the peace and courage to see it through should I ever have to. I probably will never have to die for my faith, but I am instructed to die to myself daily, and to give up my old sinful ways to follow Christ. This is as much of a challenge, and I also pray for perseverance and strength to do this, so that I may inherit the priceless treasure. The reward is far greater than the cost.
Giving up everything for Christ is not a fair exchange, but not on our part – on His!