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While conversing with my father the other day we got on the subject of “collectibles.” I asked him if they (my folks) still had some of the old toys my brother and I used to have. He said they had several old toys boxed up in the basement. Turns out they had kept all of my old Star Wars action figures I had collected as a young boy. We learned, after some internet research, that those action figures were worth considerably more than what we had originally paid for them. After some discussion, we agreed to sell those old collectibles.
It amazes me what some folks will pay for “collectibles.” But even more amazing than that are folks like me who have within their possession such valuable “collectibles,” but have them tucked away in a box somewhere unawares. Of what value are “collectibles” stored away in a box somewhere collecting dust?
The greatest “treasure” of all time is within man’s grasp, but unfortunately most folks in the world have no interest in it (of course, I have reference to the Gospel of Christ–the Word of God–the church). Seems to me that most folks would rather buy up things that will ultimately perish than to obtain that which will last forever (cf. 2 peter 3:10ff; 1 Peter 1:24-25; Dan. 2:44)! The wise man said, “Buy the truth, and sell it not…” (Prov. 23:23). Jesus, in His parable of the hidden treasure, describes the true eternal value of that treasure (church/salvation) and the sacrifice we should be willing to make to obtain it (cf. Matt. 13:44). But more tragic than man choosing to reject this eternal treasure is God’s people having possession of it and then doing nothing with it. This treasure, the Gospel of Christ, is within us (2 Cor. 4:7), but it is of no value unless it is active (James 2:18ff)!
Terry R. Townsend
Curry church of Christ
Jasper, AL