By JaDonna Brattin
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
As a young child, one of the things I did to entertain myself was to imagine going on a treasure hunt and finding a fabulous treasure. Dancing around in my head were visions of X marks the spot, a heavy ornate chest full of sparkling jewels and ancient gold coins, and perhaps just a hint of danger so I could demonstrate my courage and bravery.
My parents made sure I was in church almost every time the doors were open. I was involved in just about every activity the church offered for children and often tagged along when my parents attended adult Bible studies.
I had no idea at the time that my parents and church family were instilling treasures into my heart. The treasures of Bible heroes, the parables of Jesus, instructions for living, and warnings for doing wrong were buried deep into the soft ground of my young life. Consequently, as I grew up those treasures would lead me into a relationship with Jesus and into seeking more of the treasures found in God’s Word. Those treasures would also sustain and protect me during some very difficult life experiences.
I currently teach a fabulous class of 1st and 2nd graders on Wednesday night at my church. We have embarked on a treasure hunt looking for the treasures God has waiting for these precious kids to find in His Word. Our memory verse is Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” We have read on a little further to Matthew 6: 33 which says: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” We are learning that there are some very important treasures that God has put in the Bible that help us live the life He has for us.
But, no matter how old we are…whether young or old…God will always have treasures just waiting for us. Here are a few things to remember about those heavenly treasures:
1. Ask (pray) God to give you understanding of the treasure map He has given you (your Bible).
2. Search, hunt, seek for that treasure with all your heart. The only way to find the treasure is to be reading/listening to His word.
3. Do something with the treasures when you find them. Ponder them. Imprint them on your heart. Apply them in your life. Share them…because sharing encourages others to desire God’s treasures also.
There IS a treasure just waiting to be discovered. Go hunt for that treasure!!! You won’t regret it!!!