What Is Precious To You?

by HJS

Zorra was a spinster who lived alone and didn't have many friends, yet there was one thing which she took delight in - a little dog which she named Precious. Zorra would press the dog to her face and whisper, "Precious."

If you were to make a list of five things you consider precious, what would be on your list? What you consider precious is a reflection of your value system. The Bible repeatedly refers to things that are described as being precious, and a few times the comparative "more precious" is used. Peter calls the promises of Scripture "very great and precious" because through them we come to know Christ and escape the corruption in the world (2 Peter 1:4).

David described his relationship with God as being precious (Psalm 139:17). He also described the law as "more precious than gold, than much pure gold" (Psalm 19:10).

In Psalm 116, there is an unusual reference to what God considers to be precious. The one thing God considers precious - are you ready for this? - is the death of His own children. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints" says Psalm 116:15. From our perspective this seems to be reversed. Life is precious to us, but God says, "No, the circumstances of your homegoing are a matter of great care and concern to me!"

It only points out what we know but seldom acknowledge: What we value and what God values are often as far apart as the east is to the west. Going back to your list, what do you consider to be precious?

Wise is the person whose great treasures lie within the heart - precious thoughts, memories, relationships and hopes that survive the fire.

Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.  2 PETER 1:4