The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. – Matthew 13:44-46

Kendall Langford, defensive end for the Miami Dolphins, lost a 2.5 karat diamond earring during practice on August 31st. (ESPN story HERE)

Without having insurance for the ring, you can understand why he spent an hour looking for it, then came back later (and got some help from his buddies) to try to find it.

You can watch the video HERE…but it’s just Langford and a few guys roaming the field, and finding nothing.

Nobody questions why Langford would spend hours combing the field for the diamond, do they?  Nobody thinks, “Just let it go.  Why even bother with it?”  Why?

Because it’s valuable.

And if something is valuable enough, we’ll put the time in that’s necessary to find it.

Even to Langford, whose salary is beyond what most of us will ever make, losing a 2.5 karat diamond is enough to alter his plans for an entire afternoon.  He probably had to give up some important meetings, had to put some people out, had to sacrifice other commitments…to find the diamond.  And I bet he didn’t feel all that bad about what he had to give up, because the ring was that valuable to him.

We spend time doing, and bend our schedules around, things that are important to us.

Why do you spend time at the office?  Because they give you a paycheck.

Why do you spend time watching a football game?  Because you love your team.

Why do you spend time working on your golf game?  Because you want to improve.

Why do you spend time watching a movie?  Because relaxing is important to you.

Why do you not spend time working on your spiritual growth?  Because it’s not that important to you.

If your own spiritual growth were more important to you, you’d spend more time developing it.  You’d sacrifice other things.  Put off other meetings and plans.  Alter your life.  Give up good things in favor of better things.

Your spiritual growth should be one of the most important things in your life.  Why not give it a little more work?

What do you do to grow spiritually?

If you’re growing spiritually, where would you suggest someone who’s new to the faith should start?