Give up to Gain

We started our new sermon series yesterday called "Treasure Hunt." Yesterday we learned the principle that sometimes in life God calls us to "Give up to Gain." The principle comes from Matthew 13:44,45. Jesus tells of a parable of two merchants that sold everything they had, just so that they can have the one thing of true value. For one merchant, it was a treasure, for the other it was a pearl. Jesus was making a strong point that sometimes in life, God calls us to give up some things that may not be pleasing to Him in order for us to gain true treasure that is found only in Christ. Jesus wants to be the only true treasure. What are the things that are holding you back from God's best? I believe that if you made a commitment yesterday, God will bless you for it. I know that this week may be especially painful for some of you. I encourage you today to stick to your commitment. Remember that God will replace the thing you once valued with something even greater. Jesus is the only true treasure!