My Treasure Box

Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances. Proverbs 25:11

Today, I returned to my treasure box. It is filled with a collection of priceless gems. Each is precious to me not only for what they are, but also for who gave them to me. Over time, nuggets have increased in worth because my King and the Author of my life provides just the right bounty to meet the needs of my life. My treasure may be of little importance to you, but for me they are some of the greatest gifts in my life.

As I open the lid of my treasure box, I do not find gold, stocks, expensive artwork, or other possessions. In fact, my treasure has almost no monetary worth, yet I would not sell any of it for any price. My treasure box overflows with words of encouragement.

My treasure is the notes, letters, cards, and e-mails people have sent me. Each word is an exquisite gem in my ordinary life. In these words of encouragement, God has made extraordinary jewels of love, grace, hope, friendship, courage and peace. God has graciously used a loving army of encouragers, and the Holy Spirit uses these words to minister to my heart, mind and emotions.

Due to the frailty and urgency of my health, God has given me the privilege to make an eternal appraisal of my life and ministry. I believe one of the Godliest pursuits is to become an encourager. Words of encouragement can change people’s lives and eternity. It is my desire to be remembered, like Barnabas, as a “son of encouragement.”

One of the things that pain me the most is to hear others use words of discouragement. These people often become sons of destruction. They use words as weapons and they are motivated by pride, judgmental, unstable emotions, unforgiving and bitter hearts.

This is one of the clearest marks of spiritual immaturity. These are divisive persons whose life pattern is to criticize. Their focus is selfishness and getting their way. They fail to recognize the long-lasting damage their words cause in relationships. Amazingly, these persons feel completely justified in hurting others. They end up living such an impoverished and detached existence that their only course is to steal the joy from others.

But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. James 3:8-10

Fortunately, God has provided a treasure map. His word provides clear and practical directions to experiencing the riches in Christ. The following verses have helped me to walk God’s path to becoming an encourager.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4

Selfishness is the motive of words that lack grace. Selflessness and humility characterize the heart of the encourager.

A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word! Proverbs 25:11

Joy is the result of an encourager’s right word at the right time. This calls for emotions under the control of the Holy Spirit and a dependence on the scriptures. Do others experience the joy of Christ after hearing my words?

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Redemptive, healing, and hope-giving words are not about my needs. These words must be helpful, building up and meeting the needs of others. If my words do not reach this purpose, I must keep them to myself.

Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ. Ephesians 4:15

When others hear my words, they should feel God’s love and be strengthened to embrace God’s best for there life.

I am exceedingly blessed to be surrounded by many encouragers who fill my heart with hope and courage. Your words make me rich and you truly are the treasure of my life.

Counting My Blessings and Treasure,
Dan