Trash or Treasure

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; James 2:1-4, 8-9

“Look what I found!” Phoebe called as she ran up the back steps of her aunt’s house.

With Aunt Claire’s permission, she had been digging in the old trash pile behind the barn. “Look! This old fruit jar has 1898 stamped on the bottom!” Phoebe said, showing her find to her aunt. “It looks like one I saw on an antique show my dad watches that was worth a lot.”

Aunt Claire smiled. “Well, you found this one, so you can keep it. But you’ll have to clean it up.”

“Oh, I will!” Phoebe beamed with pleasure as she went to clean the jar.

When she finished, she brought the jar back and put it on the table. “Wow!” Aunt Claire said. “That looks like a whole new jar! By the way, Phoebe, do you remember Becca who lives next door? She’s coming over pretty soon. I thought you’d like to have someone to play with.”

Phoebe groaned.

“What’s the problem?” asked Aunt Claire.

Phoebe shrugged. “Becca wears funny clothes and acts weird. And you said you didn’t think anybody in her family was a Christian, and I seriously doubt she’ll ever become one. She doesn’t seem like someone who would, if you know what I mean.”

Aunt Claire picked up Phoebe’s jar. “Phoebe, look at this jar—it’s pretty, now that it’s cleaned up. Just think—it was in the trash pile. Until today, no one realized its value and saved it.” She turned the jar in her hands. “In a way, Becca is like this jar—and you and I are too.”

“How are we like that jar?” Phoebe asked.

“Well, at one time we were in the trash pile of sin,” said Aunt Claire, “but Jesus found us, washed us, and made us new. Becca is still lost, but she’s valuable too—so valuable that Jesus died for her. He can save her from sin and give her a whole new life, and He wants you to help her see how valuable she is by showing His love to her.”

Aunt Claire handed Phoebe the jar, and she held it in her hands a moment before putting it back on the table. “Okay, Aunt Claire. I will.” – Barbara Westberg

How About You?

Do you see every person as valuable—even those who are different from you? God made everyone, and He values each person. He values them so much He sent His Son, Jesus, to die so they could be saved from sin. Spend time with those who are different from you and let them know how valuable they are. If you know Jesus, you can show His love to everyone you meet.

Today’s Key Verse:
James 2:9 If you are treating one person as more important than another, you are sinning. (ERV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Every person is valuable