Everything!

March 6, 2011

This week, I decided to start reading the New Testament. I've gone through seminary and other classes that have worked through the bible, but I've never dedicated time to reading it like I have the Book of Mormon before. This decision has brought about many insights and thoughts that I've never had before. To start- I never before realized how beautiful the parables are, they have so much meaning. I wanted to share one of the insights I've had this week with you.

Matthew 13: 44-46.
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Again, the kingdom oh heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."

The first individual was probably a farmer, someone who worked the fields his whole life to support his family. He happened upon a treasure that would greatly bless his family when he received it.
The second individual was a merchant of pearls and precious gems. He probably had a great deal of wealth. He was seeking something of great value and recognized it when he found it.

To both individuals, the price was the same- everything.

They received a treasure, a pearl of great price. Something that would bless their lives forever. Before they could receive it, however, they had to give everything.

Each breath is a gift, everything we own was created for us, everything we are able to do is because of the talents we've been blessed with. We've been asked to give it all back in exchange for something so much better. Some people happen upon it as they work, others search for it diligently. Some are blessed with riches and others can barely make it. Salvation is not free, but the price is the same and all can afford it.