Surpassing value of the kingdom

Matthew 13 : 44 - 46

..in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.....on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

I am truly amazed when I read these two short 'parables' that Jesus tells his disciples about the value of the kingdom. After being Christian for many years, it is easy to begin taking for granted the value of what we have been gifted with. I wonder if many of us remember how we felt when we first discovered this 'treasure' or 'pearl' of God's kingdom. The first man in Jesus' parable was exceedingly joyful when he found the treasure. He was not even searching but happens upon it and instantly recognizes its value. He takes immediate action by selling all he has in order to buy the field. The pearl dealer however was on a search and the moment he comes across the special pearl, he knows that all he has is not too high a price to pay. I wonder....when we first discovered God's kingdom, did we feel that way? Was it pure joy and exhilaration, such that everything paled in comparison? What about now? Over the years the Christian life may have become dull and routine, no longer stirring up much joy and enthusiasm. That would be sad because the picture painted by Jesus is far from it.

I am also really caught up by the two men's actions. They both actually went off and sold 'all they had' in order to possess the one thing they believed was worth far more. Yes, we do know that salvation is free and we do not 'earn' it by our own efforts. But there is far more to true kingdom life than being 'saved' for eternity. There is so much more to 'possess' of the abundant life that I believe cannot be obtained without our willingness to 'give our all'. As the men gave up all they had, perhaps there is always an invitation from God to give up those things that hinder the fullness of kingdom life: attachments, defensive and self-protective patterns and values.....The path of discipleship is costly. As the years pass, I may not be tempted towards blatant and obvious sins. But I am more and more aware of the more subtle yet deep seated attachments that hinder the fullness of the kingdom in my life. Letting go is painful. However, if we like the first disciples have 'eyes to see and ears to hear' the value of the kingdom, then we will be able to give up our all with joyful abandonment.

I will pray for the grace to "consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord".