Treasure

If someone had a treasure worth more than anything this world had ever seen or ever would see again, it would never run out, they were already enjoying the spoils of their find, and they possessed a map that would lead anyone who would follow it to that same treasure, would you consider it loving or unloving for that person to try to share the map with you?  Would you say, “I can’t believe you are trying to force your opinions on me,” or “I’ve seen this map a million times before and don’t understand why you expect me to be willing to look at it again,” or “It’s your choice if you want to be rich beyond your wildest dreams but don’t try to get me to enjoy your riches with you.”  I don’t think so.

You’d be hurt and almost certainly mad if they were unwilling to share.  It’s one thing to have a treasure; but to know that treasure NEVER becomes depleted, in fact, it multiplies with the more people who desire, to not be asked to share in that would be a horrific insult.  For the treasure-holder to think, “I’m respecting your privacy so I’ll keep this treasure to myself,” would feel like they don’t really care about you at all.  Even if bringing up the topic of the treasure risked their relationship with you, would it not devalue the treasure itself if they didn’t see it as worth the risk?  In any case, any person with a never-ending, priceless treasure would be considered greedy and selfish and definitely the worst friend in the world if they kept it a secret, purposefully withholding information about how you could share the wealth.  

Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field.  The one who discovers it is so full of joy that he sells everything else he owns so he is able to go buy the field where the treasure is buried.

If a person who has the treasure offers the map to you…please try not to be offended.  The treasure wouldn’t be treasure at all if it wasn’t potentially worth more to you than your temporary discomfort