We generally have no problem finding our flaws, but we shouldn’t forget to dig out the treasures God has placed within us and around us. Great wealth awaits us; we just need to find it!

The greatest treasure in the world… is us! We are so precious to God that He sent His own Son to die on the cross to redeem us. Even when we were God’s enemies, sinners, our Father pursued us. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NIV). When we pay a high price for something, we want to show it off, while giving it the best possible care. It’s the same with God. He takes good care of us and wants to put us forward so that our lives will glorify Him. “You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:20 NIV).

When a child makes a craft with paper, they cherish their creation. Throwing away their work is a huge insult. Their homework is also made of paper, but in this case, we can throw away the paper without any crisis. Crafts and homework are both on paper, but one is very precious, and the other is not. Why? Because the craft was made with love and intention. God is also angry when someone damages one of His creations. His care is our comfort, and His protection is our assurance. He defends us because we are His precious creation.

So surely He is just as hurt when we fail to realize our worth. He created us in His image (Psalm 139:13); if we criticize our appearance, we are criticizing Him. He created us for a purpose, He gave us our talents for a specific reason; if we don’t appreciate our talents, we are criticizing Him. All of this should make us understand the importance of valuing who we are and taking care of ourselves (Matthew 7:6).

Realizing the great value we have in God’s eyes should also remind us that everyone around us is of great value. That reminds us of a true story. A man came to participate in a Passion374 activity and sat back, arms crossed, and brows furrowed. No one dared to speak to him; he seemed far too grumpy. But one person decided to look past this appearance and went to talk to him. They learned that he had gone through a difficult divorce and had since isolated himself in a small house in the woods. Enthusiastic, she asked him if he liked living there, and he replied that he did because he loved woodworking; he had made all his furniture. She continued to highlight his talent, suggesting he use his expertise to help the church, and all this encouragement actually motivated him to offer his help. He was no longer withdrawn; he was suddenly open to speak with. A few months later, the person met this man again, and he was now happy to tell her that he was actively serving his church and even helping single people in his community by offering his help with all sorts of tasks. He was a new man. By bringing out the treasures within this man, not only did he enrich those around him, but he himself began to shine.

There is so much wealth around us, within the people around us. If we take the time to dig them out, we will truly be enriched. That is what the Lord promises. “I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name” (Isaiah 45:3 NIV). What will enrich us is not necessarily material possessions but the talents within each of us. So, let’s go on a treasure hunt!