“I” Marks the Spot

By Jesse LeMay

                Searching for and finding hidden treasure is something that has always fascinated people. There are all sorts of stories which date back hundreds and even thousands of years about vast fortunes being either lost or intentionally buried somewhere. Such treasures are out there just waiting for someone to find them. In pirate legends, there is always a map guiding the seeker to the treasure. At the final destination an “X” marks the spot where the awaiting goods lie. All one has to do is follow the “X” and the treasure is theirs. Following the “X” and acquiring this new-found wealth would be life changing. As appealing and exciting as such a discovery might be, there is however, an even greater and more impactful treasure out there for all people.

                The Apostle Paul speaks of the gospel of Christ as the “Light of the glory of God,” and a “treasure” (2 Corinthians 4:3-7). This treasure is hidden to some because their eyes are blinded, keeping them from seeing the light of the gospel. Despite being hidden to such people, God’s invaluable treasure can be found easily by all who are searching. Unlike the “X” marking the spot to the buried pirate treasure, “I” marks the spot for the treasure of the gospel. Scripture says, “we have this treasure in earthen vessels, … always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body” (4:7-10). Christians are the location of the treasure! We, you, I, are the end of the map.

                In order for others to find this incomparable inheritance which God has offered to everyone, they have to first come to us. It is hard to understand why our Lord would place such a valuable item in something so frail and faulty at times; nonetheless, you and I are where He has buried His eternal treasure. While it is true that there is the written word, we are to be those who live out and share that word. Uncovering some lost pirate treasure may temporarily change your life; however, leading others to discovering the precious treasure of the gospel will change eternity. So, never forget that for those searching the map for God’s treasure, “I” marks the spot!

How are We Remembered?

By Jesse LeMay

                Most of us have likely thought about how others will remember us after we leave this earth. Many in the world have the desire to be remembered for having fun and living life to the fullest. As Christians, hopefully we have a different set of things by which we hope to be remembered. What if others remembering us wasn’t just something that came post-mortem however?

In the introduction to Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians he said, “we give thanks to God always for all of you,” and twice he mentions what he and others remember about them (1:2-3). This remembrance is something that is ongoing, something which is taking place while they are still alive. Paul gives no less than ten areas worth remembering about these Christians.

First is their “work of faith” (1:3). Hard times come and remaining faithful can take work. In addition, as James tells us, true faith produces work.

Second is their “labor of love” (1:3). Putting others first takes effort and does not come easy.

Third is their “steadfastness of hope” (1:3). Despite sufferings and persecution, they never lost hope of eternal resurrection with Christ.

Fourth Paul says they became “imitators” of he, the other apostles, and most importantly of Christ (1:6).

Fifth is how they “received the word” with joy, despite all the affliction it brought (1:6). How do we receive the word?

Sixth is how they “became an example to all believers” (1:7). Is our example worth remembering and emulating?

Seventh is their evangelistic efforts which caused the “word of the Lord” to be “sounded forth,” and in “every place” their faith toward God had gone forth (1:8).

Eighth is the “reception” they gave Paul and the others (1:9). How do we receive others who visit our church?

Ninth is how they “turned to God from idols” (1:9). They completely left those vain idols behind. Have we put behind us that which is ungodly and turned wholly to God?

Tenth is their service to God. They didn’t just come to have faith in God, but to serve him, to give Him their lives.

Paul thanked God always for these Christians, and constantly remembered these aspects and efforts about them. Individually and collectively as the church, is our conduct worth remembering? How do others remember us?