1 Thessalonians 2:4-7
4 “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, which tries our hearts.
5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness, God is witness:
6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes her children.”

The Gospel is a priceless treasure of God’s. The apostle, Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, stated that God had entrusted him with this great treasure, (verse 4.) As it was with Paul, so it is with every Born-again Believer in Jesus. We carry this treasure in our “earthen vessel,” 2 Corinthians 4:5-7. The Gospel God has invested in our lives is a spiritual treasure far beyond anything we can imagine.

If I was given a £10 note to take care of for someone it would be judged as no big deal. However, if I was asked to take care of £10.000 for someone, I would be aware of taking considerably more care with it. The greater the value of the treasure, the more accountable I must be as I am entrusted with it. Verse 4 (above)….God has put us in trust with the Gospel. Have I become familiar or presumptuous with this treasure? From this glorious deposit within us we have received an abundance of God’s grace and mercy from the treasure coffers of heaven, not to selfishly keep to our-selves, but to give away and share with others God’s mercy and grace from the Gospel of His love.

A businessman makes an investment and looks for his financial returns for profit on his investment. God invests the treasure of heaven in our lives, the incorruptible seed, that the Indwelling Christ in each of us will attain to “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,” Ephesians 4:13, that we may freely share with others from the treasure that has been freely given to us – God’s love, grace and mercy, paid for with the blood of His dear Son at Calvary. The treasure of heaven is invested in our lives that the kingdom of God will be extended through us, to others, for God’s glory.

God is teaching me to be trusted with His treasure. In verse 4 of the first scripture quote, Paul says, “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel,”…so there is a control of God’s permission….”not of pleasing men, but God, which tries our hearts,” …..to please God for His glory. God loves me, but can He trust me? Under His loving hand I can be molded into a vessel of honour if I walk in humility with Him as my Guide.

We are stewards of the gift of the Gospel. How am I living? Does my life speak to others and demonstrate the truths of the Gospel of love, mercy and grace to the glory of God? What a man says and what he actually is can be two different things. Am I being a good steward of my relationships with others?….or do I conveniently file them away in the “indifferent” compartment of my heart because it is more convenient to me?

Let us allow the Spirit of God to search our hearts, where the “Season of peace and goodwill to all men” is a constant one in the life of a Believer. May the risen, living Saviour find room in the “Inn” of my heart today, to deposit more of His treasure to extend His kingdom through me, to the glory of our wonderful God. In the words of the well known song, “Love isn’t love till you give it away!” Indeed!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

A BLESSED CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS AS WE CELEBRATE THIS SEASON OF JOY AND WONDER OF GOD’S GREATEST GIFT TO MANKIND, HIS BELOVED SON, JESUS CHRIST!