What's it worth?

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.

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

What do we normally do when we visit someones' new home for the first time? Our host usually gives us a tour. During this 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.

WEBSTERS' 21ST CENTURY DICTIONARY defines cost as "something given up in exchange" and worth as "importance; value". Today, it seems that the difference has been blurred and forgotten.

We should look at the relationship between cost and worth like an old fashioned balance scale. On one side we have the cost and as we all know it is usually easy to find out what we are required to exchange for these things. We are constantly bombarded by ads telling us about the low cost of things. On the other side of the scale, we have the worth of these same things. Just like the cost, we are also bombarded by ads telling us about how these things are such a great value.

In Matthew 6:19-21, we find what JESUS said concerning this matter. We see in verse 19, that these "treasures" are only temporary. The diamond we spoke of will be left in the grave when we go to meet JESUS. As for the car we looked at, we probably won't even have it for the rest of our earthly life before we replace it. As for the house, it will also be left behind as we go to meet our maker.

Now, if we try to picture the scale again, we will see that it is way out of balance with each of these things. So, where do we find things that have worth? We fnd, in verse 20, we are told to store up treasures in heaven. WEBSTERS' 21ST CENTURY DICTIONARY defines treasure as "precious possession". What did JESUS consider to be precious? HE considered us to be precious enough to die for!

Therefore, we must consider the people we meet in our daily lives to be "treasures" and we must resolve to take them to heaven with us! We find from verse 21, that what we consider to be "treasures" will determine where our hearts are.

With a final look at the scales, 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!!!!!!