What's It Worth

Your Notes

The purpose of this study is to get us to see the "treasures" of this world the way God asks us to. After all, we are called to be different and told to transform our minds.

What is the first thing we do when a woman tells us that she is engaged to be married? For most of us, our first reaction is to say "let me see your ring". According to Zales, the traditional guideline for a man to spend on an engagement ring is two months salary. But really, what's it worth?

What do we usually do when someone shows us their brand new car? Most of us probably look it over and wonder how much it costs. According to COMERICA BANK'S AUTO AFFORDABILITY INDEX, the average new vehicle price for the second quarter of 2001 was $22,199. But, whats it worth?

What do we normally do when we visit someone's new home for the first time? Our host usually gives us a tour. During that tour, we probably admire the house and wonder about the price. According to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, the average home price, in the fourth quarter of 2002, was $161,600. But really, whats it worth?

WEBSTER'S 21ST CENTURY DICTIONARY defines cost as " something given up in exchange" and worth as "importance; value".

We should look at the relationship between cost and worth like an old fashioned balance scale. On one side, we have the cost of things. As we all know, it is usually easy to find out how much money we need to exchange for things. We are constantly bombarded with ads telling us about the low cost of things.

On the other side of the scale, we have the worth of those same things. We are also swamped with ads telling us about the great value of the things they are selling.

In Matthew 6:19-21, we find what Jesus said concerning these things. We see, from verse 19, that these "treasures" are only temporary.

The ring we spoke of will be left in the grave when the bride goes to see Jesus. As for the car we looked at, the owner probably won't even have it for the rest of their earthly life before replacing it. And the house we looked at will be left behind as the owner goes to meet the Master.

Now, if we picture the scale in our minds again, we will see that it is way out of balance with each of those things. So, where do we find things that have worth?

WEBSTER'S 21ST CENTURY DICTIONARY defines treasure as "precious possession". What did Jesus consider to be precious? HE considered us precious enough to die for us!

Therefore, we must consider the people we meet in our daily lives to be "treasures". We are told, in verse 20 of our passage, to store up our "treasures" in heaven. Therefore, we must resolve to show the people around us the path to heaven. We find, in verse 21, that what we consider to be "treasures" will determine what our hearts are focused on.

Looking back at our scale, we see that, with sinners on one side and a mocked, beaten, and crucified Jesus on the other, God says the cost is equal to the worth! That is why we, as Christians, have hope!