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Treasure Hunting
2 Corinthians 4:7
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."
Do you remember when you were a child how you thought it would be exciting to go on a treasure hunt and discover a treasure? There are people who have given their lives and wealth to discover lost treasures. However, the greatest treasures that have never been discovered are in the lives of people with whom you associate. The verse above teaches us that the greatest treasure you will find is in people. If you ever want to become a treasure hunter and discover the treasures in people, then there are several things that you will have to remember as you search for these hidden treasures.
First, everybody has something that is valuable to God. This is why you should never discard anyone. Every person whom God has placed around you is there for you to discover the treasure inside of them. You may not see the treasure, but there is something very valuable to God inside of every person if you will take the time to search for that treasure.
Second, everyone's treasure is covered by sin. Notice that God said the treasure is "...in earthen vessels,..." The reason why you can't see the treasure in people is because sin has covered it. The worse a person is, the more searching you will have to do to discover that treasure. The only reason why you can't see the treasure in someone is because sin has covered it. Just because sin has "ruined" someone's life does not mean they don't have any value to God. This just means you have to work harder to reveal that treasure.
Third, to discover the treasure in people, someone must be willing to search for it. Are you going to let the treasure in people go undiscovered because you are too wrapped up in your own life? One of the greatest feelings you will ever have is when you uncover a treasure that sin hid. Just because others have given up on someone does not mean that you shouldn't continue to search for the treasure in that person. Don't ever give up on anyone, because they are waiting for you to find the treasure in them. If the truth be known, there are some who don't believe they have any treasure in themselves, so you must be willing to believe there is treasure in them and search for it until you discover it.
Fourth, the treasure will never be discovered while the earthen vessel covers it. To discover the treasure in people's lives, you must remove the sin that covers it. Sin camouflages treasures, so to find that treasure you must help people overcome their sin.
Fifth, it will take time for the treasure to be discovered. Rarely will you have a quick discovery of treasure in someone's life. Most often you will have to be patient with people while you work at discovering the treasure. However, don't give up, because you will discover that treasure if you keep working with them.
Sixth, there will always be liabilities with each treasure. Remember that each treasure is in earthly vessels. Don't let the earthly vessel cause you not to see the treasure inside. Don't focus on someone's liability, but focus instead on their treasure.
Last, only the power of God can reveal the treasure. In the verse above, it is the power of God that revealed the treasure. You will only reveal the treasure in people's lives through God's power. Be sure to yield to the Holy Spirit daily so that God can help you to uncover the treasures in the lives of others.