When I was in my early teens, I read Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island many times — and was intrigued every time! The thoughts of privateering on the high seas and amassing huge amounts of treasure held great appeal and sounded wonderfully exciting. But I admit that I never considered that it was extremely risky and downright murderous! Also, the thought of discovering buried treasure worth huge amounts of money filled many a colourful dream. In my mind's eye, I could imagine owning my own treasure chest!

As I passed into my late teens, began to work, sought a significant other, and began to plan realistically for a practical and rewarding future, all such thoughts of swashbuckling faded and disappeared, along with all thoughts of my treasure chest.

Now, I am in my twilight years (some call it older age) and what would you think? I do have a treasure chest! It is covered in very dark green leather, which is badly showing the wear and tear of many years of service. It is trimmed with pure gold — yes gold! The edges and corners are badly worn from much use and being carried for many, many miles, over many, many years. But, inside, the priceless treasure is perfectly intact! It will never deteriorate, and can never grow old! The most amazing thing about this treasure is that the more of it I give away, the more there is to give! My treasure chest is my Holy Bible!

Inside is the invaluable Word of God — the most perfect treasure that any human being can ever have — and it is free for the taking! In every book of my Bible, there is a treasure which I can contemplate, use to better my own state in this present life, and share with others, to help them find the salvation life that is promised to us by Jehovah, the giver of all good gifts.

Psalm 119:18 – Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law. (NKJV)

Psalm 49:1-3 – Listen, everyone! High and low, rich and poor, all around the world — listen to my words, for they are wise and filled with insight. (TLB)

Yes, inside my treasure chest is everything I need to know in order to live a peace-filled and productive life and to help others become aware of the love of God and the pathway to an eternal life with Him. What an incredible treasure!

Luke 12:34 – Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be. (TLB)

Do you have a treasure chest? If not, I pray that you will get one, open it, carefully and prayerfully read it every day, and begin to share in all of the treasures God has promised to every one of us.

Prayer: Holy and merciful God, thank You for sharing the greatest treasure in the whole universe — Your most gracious love — with all who seek to find it. Teach us how to use Your treasures wisely, and share them with all our friends. This we ask in and through the name of Christ, our Lord. Amen. Hallelujah!

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About the author:

Rob Paxton <robertgpaxton@sympatico.ca>
Little Current, Ontario, Canada
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