How I’ve Been Ruined From Every Other Pleasure
The framework of this beautiful piece was taken from a letter David Wilkerson wrote toward the end of his life. I borrowed it and paraphrased some of it, adding many of my own personal words and touch to it. I loved it so much that I had it laminated to keep in my Bible. May this be our heart’s cry, too.
“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. 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” (Matt. 13:44-46).
Let me tell you what these two short parables mean to me personally.
Christ is the treasure hidden in the field. In Him I have found all that I’ll ever need. To me, that means the following:
No more looking for the accolades of men and finding fulfillment in people. No more hiding behind a false projected image. No more pretenses. No more twisting words, events, and situations to place myself in the best possible light. No more positioning or posturing myself to gain a personal advantage or to court man’s favor. No more taking the higher seat. No more need to build something for God or be a success in the eyes of man. No more needing to feel useful. No more operating in a performance mode for the acceptance and approval of man. No more trying to keep up with my peers to prove my worth in life and ministry. No more searching for ways to please people. No more trying to think or reason my way out of hardship or difficulties.
I have found what I’m looking for. My treasure is Christ. I am in the process of selling everything I have to buy the field for the treasure therein. I am full of joy for the treasure that I am digging out.
I have found my one pearl of great price; He is my Lord Jesus Christ. This one pearl is precious and priceless, and I cannot live without it.
And all that the Owner asks of me is this:
“Bert, let me adopt you. I love you, and I have already signed the papers with my own Son’s Blood. You are now a joint heir with Him of all I possess.”
I’m still giving the Father my time, my thoughts, my will, my emotions, and plans. Yet I know I’m exchanging it all for treasure and for the pearl of great price. I’m trading it in to buy living water, the bread of life, the milk and honey of joy and peace. And I’m doing it all without money. The cost to me is all my heart, all of my love, my total trust, and utter dependence on His Word.
Yes, you can buy this treasure, this costly pearl with no money. You can pursue it without any earthly craft, talent, or ability. No one has a corner on the market. It is not a purchase exclusive to anyone above another. You don’t need popularity, influence, or friends. It is a treasure available to the poorest of the poor and the lowest status human being on the earth. It is purchased with your heart only. It is purchased with a spiritual hunger for the living bread, and thirst like a deer that pants for the water.
What a bargain! I give up my filthy rags of self-reliance and good works. I lay aside my worn out shoes of striving and working on mere natural strength. I leave behind my sleepless nights on the streets of doubt and fear. And in return I get adopted by a King.
Dear saint and fellow laborer, this is what happens when you seek the treasure hidden in the field. This is what happens when you seek the pearl of great price. Seek Him until you find Him. Pursue Him until you know Him. Jesus offers you everything He is. He brings you joy unspeakable and full of glory, peace that surpasses all understanding, deep satisfaction, and an unshakable fulfillment in Him.
What is He worth to you?
To gain Him, it may cost you more than you’ve been willing to pay. I urge you: Start paying today.
