The pursuit of gold is a chief occupation of men. It is prized. Having gold is not sinful in-and-of-itself. However, the Spirit warns us, saying, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10).
As valuable as gold is among men, there is something worth more-something more precious than gold. We must acknowledge that which is more valuable than gold, or we will miss out on true riches.
The word of God is “more to be desired…than gold, yea, than much fine gold” (Psalm 19:10). The mind of God is revealed in His Word, the Bible (1 Corinthians 2:9-13). The Word contains all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). It is God’s power unto salvation (Romans 1:16). The Bible tells the man about God, himself, fellowman, heaven, hell, righteousness and condemnation. It reveals the truth, enlightening the mind in a world of darkness. Indeed, the Word of God is more precious than gold.
Peter wrote that redemption is not by gold or silver, but by the “precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19). This makes Christ’s blood more valuable than gold. His blood is what redeems man from sin and death. It allows man to stand pure before God while on this earth and to look forward to a home in eternity. Truly, the blood of the Son of God is worth more than all the gold on earth.
Faith is more precious than gold (1 Peter 1:7-9). This is true because the end of faith is the salvation of the soul. Jesus asked, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26). Your soul far exceeds the worth of some or all gold because gold perishes, but your soul shall live forever. Eventually, all material, worldly things will be destroyed by fire (2 Peter 3:10-12). However, the souls of men will continue to exist. They will either exist in heaven or hell (John 5:28-29; Matthew 25:46). The way to preserve that soul is through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Therefore, faith is more precious than gold.
Are you willing to neglect or forfeit the word of God, the blood of Christ, or your faith for a little gold for a little while? If so, you will give up eternal bliss.
Steven F. Deaton
