Matthew 13:45-46
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
 
The Bible uses various metaphors or symbols to describe people. Each symbol conveys a particular sense or meaning. In this parable, we are viewed as merchants. A merchant is someone who buys and sells goods for profit. So in a sense we are all traders by nature. We are all in business.
 
Dear friends, from a spiritual point of view we can learn a lot from this metaphor. For instance, prudent traders don’t buy junk. They have an eye for quality because they know that their customers also go for quality. Their reputation partly depends on the quality of their products. They understand good value for money.
 
Dear Christian “merchant”, don’t waste your precious time on cheap talk, cheap thoughts and junky activities. Only deal in quality. Don’t buy junk. And don’t sell it either. Evaluate everything like a shrewd businessperson. Don’t fall for scams. Time is money. Time is short. Consider the profitability of every transaction.
 
When you’re a smart trader, you don’t get carried away by the hype cunning sellers build up. You don’t let emotions get the best of you. You are not buying anything just for the sake of buying. You’re not trying to please the seller. You’re working for profit. You’re sober. You ask the right questions. You have an eye for detail. You weigh things. You’re not gullible. And you’re not just whiling up time!
 
Saints, let us run our faith-lives like smart merchants. Add value everyday. Make Kingdom profit everyday. Go for quality. Shun worthless “goods”. God bless you!
 
Pastor Josh