Our church is moving so I am currently listing our items that we will not take with us in several online FOR SALE communities. It is amazing the things that people look for and find in these communities as well as at yard sales. I have seen people’s eyes light up as they find STEALS, DEALS and treasure finds shopping these forums. Communicating with people since my posting make me thing about the saying “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure”.

In our daily lives, we often encounter the adage, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” The profound wisdom behind this saying can be reflected in our relationship with God. As humans, we sometimes feel unworthy or discarded, like worthless trash, burdened by our mistakes and shortcomings. Yet, when we look through the lens of God’s divine love, we realize that He sees us differently – as His precious treasures.

In Isaiah 43:4, God declares, “Since you are precious and honored in my sight and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.” This verse shows us that despite our flaws and failures, God values us so much that He would exchange entire nations for just one of us. Our worth is not determined by our earthly accomplishments or possessions but by God’s infinite love for each one of us. W’e all want to have our needs meet but we also desire to have our wants meet. Most people want to be happy but they wouldn’t mind being happy and rich.

Just as we can find treasures in what others might consider trash, God finds value in what the world may overlook. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus shares the parable of the lost sheep, illustrating this truth. He says in Luke 15:4-7:

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

This parable beautifully illustrates God’s heart for each of us. When we wander away, God diligently seeks us out, rejoicing in our return. We may feel unworthy and discarded like a lost sheep, but to God, we are a precious treasure worth celebrating.

Additionally, God treasures a contrite and humble heart. Psalm 51:17 says, “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” God does not desire extravagant offerings or external displays of righteousness; instead, He delights in a heart that acknowledges its need for Him, humbly seeking His forgiveness and grace.

Another treasure close to God’s heart is the love for others. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus affirms the greatest commandments: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

God’s love is not limited to one individual; it extends to all His children. When we love others as ourselves, showing compassion, kindness, and forgiveness, we reflect God’s heart and become bearers of His precious treasure on Earth.

In conclusion, the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” finds its deepest resonance in our relationship with God. In His eyes, we are cherished and valuable beyond measure. Our worth is not defined by worldly standards, but by the love and grace that God abundantly bestows upon us. Let us embrace our identity as God’s treasured possession and extend His love and mercy to others, for in doing so, we fulfill the greatest commandments and bring glory to His name.

Take time today to thank for God for seeing you as His precious treasures, even when we feel broken and unworthy. His love knows no bounds, and we are humbled by the depth of His grace. Ask God to help you to cherish your identity in Him and to share His love with others, recognizing the treasure that lies within each soul. May your hearts be contrite and humble before Him, and may we love others as He love us.