Have you seen the television programs where the archaeologists unearth valuable treasure from the ground? I think it is fascinating to watch that process unfold. With extreme care and diligence these professionals delicately brush away the dirt until the treasure is finally exposed.

Many of these locations are around burial grounds. Some ancient cultures were known for lavish burial sites which included treasures of gold, silver and jewels. It was thought by some that these valuables would be necessary when the spirit of the deceased passed into the next world.

However, you and I know that earthly treasures will not continue with us into eternity. Jesus tells us about how we should view our treasure. He says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.

The goal of the treasure-laden burial sites was to preserve the riches until the next life began. Unfortunately, many of these sites have been looted by thieves or surgically emptied by museums. Their treasure found its way to new owners and new purposes. No matter how hard the original owners tried, they could not take their earthly treasure with them. The only success they may have found was to keep something valuable away from the living.

Such is the grand error of mankind. The things or possessions we seem to value so much in this life are absolutely worthless in the next. If only we could all learn to put God first (Matthew 6:33), obey His word (Hebrews 5:9), obtain a citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20) and store up for ourselves eternal treasures. Of course there is another side to the hidden treasures.

Jesus says, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid, and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Matthew 13:44.

Have you ever found a treasure? Do you remember your excitement to have discovered something of value? The great thing about this discovery is that everyone can share in the same experience. There is no need to hoard or hide this treasure.

Like the love that God gives to us, this treasure is capable of filling the world. Yet most of the world will never discover this great treasure. Have you found that treasure which is the kingdom of heaven? Are you a citizen of that eternal abode? Are you working to lay up your treasures where your eternal soul will live? I certainly hope that you have discovered this very important treasure.

Some church youth went to the poorer section of their city to work with the children who lived there. They taught crafts, played music, told stories, etc.