They are predicting severe storms, warning us to be prepared. They say, “Gather your most valued possessions in the event of damage or destructive weather requiring evacuation.” What would you choose to take with you? What possessions are most precious, most necessary for you to save?
Obviously we want to save our loved ones, then important legal documents, followed by things that mean much to our family, pictures, keepsakes, etc. But just thinking about this subject forces us to decide what “things” are most precious to us. Surely we can agree that such decisions are not at all easy. Some, however, should be easy.
A PERSON’S SOUL IS PRECIOUS
The value of anything is determined by various means, often difficult to put into words. What is its value to me today? Tomorrow? When King Saul was pursuing David, an occasion arose in which David could have killed Saul instead, but, as Saul later realized and admitted to David, “…my soul was precious in thine eyes this day,” 1 Samuel 26:21. Saul had evidently not really considered the value of his own soul, but now, because of David’s actions, he realized he had “played the fool.”
Jesus’ perspective on this subject is spelled out for us In Matthew 16:26:
“What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Man’s priorities are often poorly considered and greatly disordered. America is on a “health” binge, exercise becoming more and more important, along with diet and nutrition. But our soul seems to be way down on that list. Sadly, though it is our only eternal possession and should be #1 on our list, it falls close to the bottom, Why not determine to place the proper value on your soul – it is your most precious possession!
A PERSON’S REPUTATION IS PRECIOUS
In Proverbs 22:1 we read, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” Long before David became king his behavior and daily life had earned the respect of those who had observed him.
“David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name became highly esteemed,” 1 Samuel 18:30. [NKJV]
We know a person’s reputation may not reflect his/her true character, but over the years it is pretty hard to fool others regarding our true character. A reputation is damaged by a person’s failure to keep their promises, being less than dependable, dishonesty, hypocrisy and otherwise irresponsible behavior.
One of the most powerful tools a Christian possesses is a good reputation. We need to guard it with all our might, living before others in ways that are in harmony with what we profess:
“Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men,” 2 Corinthians 8:21.
THE WORD OF GOD IS PRECIOUS
Recalling the life of God’s prophet, Samuel, we are told of his impeccable reputation as a spokesman for God. Just as David’s reputation was highly esteemed, so was the life of Samuel:
“…the word of the Lord was precious in those days…So Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.” 1 Samuel 3:1, 19
I wonder how God would describe man’s attitude toward His word today. Jesus spoke of a blessed individual in these words:
“Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:10
How precious is God’s word to you? Do you seek wisdom from the Bible? Do you read the words as those from One who truly loves you? Do you let any of God’s words “fall to the ground”? Do you go to His word for instruction on how to deal with your family’s daily problems? In Psalm 119:97 David describes his love for the word of God:
“O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.”
How long has it been since any of us really did meditate on the word of God?
Four hundred years after Samuel and David’s influence over Israel, the prophet Amos made it clear that things had changed – drastically.
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it,” Amos 8:11-12.
Thinking of things that are precious should remind us that the sacrifice Jesus made to redeem us from our sins is the most precious thing of all – “the precious blood of Christ,” 1 Peter 1:18-19. That is worthy of our very careful “meditation.”
