Verse of The Day: You Are God’s Chosen Treasure

“But you are God’s chosen treasure —priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones (1 Peter 2:9-10).”

A treasure is defined as something that one ascribes value or importance to. In real estate, people who put their homes on the market believe their house has more value than what buyers are willing to pay. Why do you think this is the case?

Homeowners cherish the space they have lived in. This space has brought with it special memories, chosen treasures, important events, and experiences the outside world hasn’t resonated or connected with on an emotional level. Therefore, it’s difficult for sellers to accurately appraise their home due to emotional biases.

As a realtor, it’s your job to give sellers the objective data in a comparative market analysis (CMA) to assess the true market value so they are able to find a buyer, get under contract, and close the deal. This CMA typically includes how many beds and baths the house has, square footage, location, updates, lot size, etc.–and compare it with homes that have sold in the last 5 months within a half-mile radius.

While the world doesn’t see the true worth or value of our homes, God does. He understands your deep emotional connection and empathizes with the home you cherish, NOT because it has a new roof, granite countertops, and a screened in lanai, but because you dwell there. God looks at you the individual as a chosen treasure, not the building you live in. Furthermore, while the world may see you as just another human being among billions, God uniquely created you with a purpose and a will to worship and serve him.

In Deuteronomy 7:6, God states: “the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.” King David exclaimed in the Psalms: “Keep me as an apple of your eye (Ps. 17:8).” It’s amazing to think that the God who created the galaxies, whales, trees, birds, and bees looks at humans as his ultimate treasure.

Let’s backtrack for a second to the real estate analogy: God said: “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul? (Matt. 16:26).” So even if you have the nicest home, most expensive car, and beachfront property, these are just material possessions. They have no eternal value. One day they are here; the next day they can be taken from us through natural disasters, financial crises, age, and multiple other circumstances beyond our control. Thus, one does not profit anything for putting their money into temporary possessions that will perish.

That’s why the Lord warns us not to store up treasures here on the earth where moth and rust can destroy it, and where thieves can break in and steal. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matt. 6:19-21).”

As a real estate agent, I have seen people put all their energy and stress on material possessions that can’t bring happiness, resolve relationships, or satiate a yearning to be complete in this life. In fact, I have seen the reverse happen. Families getting upset with one another over real estate transactions is a common theme. We were recently struck by a major hurricane that displaced thousands of people, causing anxiety and uncertainty with how much insurance payout FEMA or the Homeowner’s Association will give to residents affected by the storm.

The Lord said: “Give me neither poverty nor riches but give me only my daily bread (Prov. 30:8).” As he prays against the extremes of abundance and want, the heart of Agur’s prayer is to be content with the portion God provides. He further adds: “For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.”

There are real estate moguls out there who own thousands of assets. They make millions of dollars a year and find their security in wealth they have generated in this industry. Many of these successful entrepreneurs have worked diligently and I commend them for their work ethic.

Money is not evil. It’s the love of money that is the root of all evil. This is the temptation that many experience when they have assets that provide them comfort, prestige, and security. Instead of relying on the God of the universe to be their refuge, they have created a false god–money, to be their comforter. That’s why the psalmist gets it right when he says give me neither poverty nor riches. Because if he has wealth, he may deny the Lord due to the overabundance of riches.

King Solomon is a perfect example of someone who had all the riches and pleasures this world could offer, and yet he said in his final conclusion: All is vanity and chasing after the wind. Thus, fear God and keep his commandments. This is the only striving that produces merit and true meaning beyond the grave. Only God is the true treasure we can keep in this life and the next. Blessings!

Article written by Chad A. Damitz (M.Div)