A Greater Treasure

⁶Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: ⁷That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.  -I Peter 1:6, 7 (KJV)

The headline, “Guatemala's trash 'miners' risk lives to find gold” got my attention.  In the country of Guatemala numerous people make their living by daily sorting through toxic trash in search of anything valuable.  They daily risk disease, drowning, and serious injury in search of various metals found in landfills which can then be sold for a profit far exceeding average income.  In a country where the average wage is around $270.00 a month, finding valuables in a toxic landfill becomes extremely tempting. 

The article reminds me of the story I heard many years ago of a man in a third world country who found a shining object in a landfill and brought it home.  What he didn’t know was that it was radioactive material and he unknowingly exposed his entire family to harmful doses of radiation.  This tragic story reminds me of the devastating power of sin and ungodliness in the world today.  The things people view as treasure will often bring to their lives trouble instead of hope and happiness.

The Scripture speaks of faith in Christ as being more valuable than gold.  When our faith is tested it is like a refining process in which our faith is made more pure and perfect.  The encouragement we find in God’s Word is to stand firm and not despair in the face of life’s trials.  Instead know that our faith is being made stronger and purer.  No doubt you are going through some situations which are testing your faith.  When we trust the Lord in these circumstances we do not grow weaker, but instead we grow stronger. 

Faith in Christ, which for the believer is a priceless treasure, is one which will bring us good and not harm.  The treasure of faith is meant to be shared with everyone around us.  They will see the power of Christ in us and will hopefully come to receive Him as Savior.   Do not lose hope and do not give up.  There is hope in the Lord.  Stand firm, for your faith will indeed grow stronger.