The Treasure Box

“Nonnie!  Nonnie!  We didn’t get to go into  the treasure box!” cried my granddaughter, Ellee Faith. At four years old she more than adequately expressed her frustration coupled with a big frown. While on vacation we visited another church. Ellee Faith could hardly wait to attend a different Sunday School. Her expectations were quickly crushed when the visiting class didn’t include a treasure box.

Once  a month I have the wonderful privilege of teaching Sunday School. Ellee Faith is part of this precious bunch. I look forward to the end of class as we circle up, review, and await something special. The excited children huddle together on the floor and with eager eyes they watch me. Slowly,  I reach my hand up in a tall, white cabinet and pull down a rustic-looking,  treasure box.

One by one the children sift their tiny fingers through the box  for a new treasure. Seeing their faces makes teaching the most fidgety child worth every minute. All kinds of treasures can be found in the rustic box. Bubbles, necklaces, toy insects, pencils, coins, and even tiny pieces of chocolate. Some things new, some things old. The little ones take great satisfaction showing their parents the new gift.

Treasure is defined as a quantity of precious metals, gems and valuable objects;  great worth, a collection of precious things. I suppose my little treasure box is more of a “collection of special things.”

Matthew 6:21 states, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” The children’s hearts are definitely  set on picking out an exciting treasure each week. We learn in Colossians 2:3  that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Does my heart yearn for His hidden treasure? Do we get excited seeking gems of truth from His word? Am I continually awaiting fresh knowledge with great anticipation?

Oftentimes, my heart seeks treasure that satisfies only temporarily. I’m guilty of starting my quiet time only to be distracted by something else my heart believes is treasure. The text, the chores and often the “glossier gems” lure me away from the necessary. I’m  deceived in believing my value can be found in temporary treasures.

Seeking His wisdom and knowledge requires us to let go of the counterfeit treasures and seek the genuine one. Like little Ellee Faith, may we never lose sight of the true  treasure. As the Father graciously extends His hand continually to us, may our spirit yearn for more of His gifts. With eagerness let us extract from His word all He has and our hearts be satisfied.