Living in a Covid-19 World: Day #2

A New Definition of Treasure

And if you look for it (wisdom) as silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.  (Proverbs 2:4, 5 NIV)

     Have you gone to the supermarket lately? Have you noticed that in this Covid-19 world some things have changed? Items we once thought were important, almost essential for us, have become dispensable. Other things have become the new currency or treasure in a world that’s been turned upside-down.

     I’ve seen signs that state “Limit of One per Customer” and “Out of Stock” for the first time in many stores. I’ve waited as a crowd lines up outside a supermarket that reports having a new load of toilet paper, or yeast, or paper towels.

     This has led to hoarding in some cases; hoarding of the most ridiculous things. Who needs a three-month supply of paper towel? How many Lysol wipes are needed for a family of four? Why is the price of a pack of T.P. more than a tank of gas? The current pandemic crisis has caused many to shift their priorities in an unhealthy way.

     Proverbs Chapter Two makes it clear that wisdom is more valuable than gold, a treasure that requires our utmost effort and attention. We are called to have a shift in our priorities, looking to God for things of eternal value, and trusting Him to care for those things that are merely temporal necessities.

     Jesus put it this way: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth ... But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven ... Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matt. 6:19-21)

     We are told that wisdom will save us, protect us, and keep us from perverse men and women. The second chapter of Proverbs shows the two sides of the coin; those who find treasure that lasts, and those who spend their lives on that which leads down an errant path. It makes me ask, what are the things that I’m spending my time and energy for? How can I use the current situation to get rich in the right way, not only just survive the latest shortage?