Understanding the Meaning of True Riches

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  –Colossians 2:2, 3 

Whenever I have to drive south on I-81 here in Bristol, I pass a sign that advertises the Virginia lottery.  In large, bold numbers anyone driving by can see how high the current jackpot has grown.  Apparently, if no one wins each week, that number nearly doubles.  As I have said before, people often justify purchasing tickets on the belief that “someone has to win, right?”  My response remains the same: “That’s true, but it won’t be you.”  Still, it’s hard not to imagine what we might do with all those millions.  But is that real treasure?  The Bible shows us what constitutes true riches.

The Word of God speaks of the riches of complete understanding and the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  These are treasures from God that will benefit and bless our lives in countless ways.  When we trust the Lord, remain in His Word, and walk with Him, we acquire a wonderful knowledge that empowers us toward victorious living.  When we face hard times we have the knowledge of God which reminds us that He will never leave us nor forsake us.  When trials, crises, problems, frustrations, disappointments, family troubles, difficulties with children, and temptations come our way we can have the peace of knowing that the Lord will bring us through.  At the risk of sounding cliché, I will say that the peace Christ gives is worth its weight in gold.    

Having acquired this blessed treasure of the knowledge of God, we can add to it daily through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Here is this treasure of which the Scripture speaks working in us; we do not fall apart when the trials come, but rather we are made stronger in the midst of them.  As we gather this treasure here, Jesus said that we are also storing it up in heaven where it will not rust or decay (Matthew 6:20).  Am I laying aside some funds which I can live on when I retire someday?  Of course; not doing so would be irresponsible.  However, I am laying up another treasure of even greater value; a blessed relationship with Jesus Christ which will carry me through the long haul of life. 

Trust in the Lord and discover the spiritual riches of a life devoted to Him.