“God’s Word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds. You’ll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries.” (Psalm 19:10 MSG)
On my first job at a local affiliate of a national TV network, I made $70 an hour in 1967. How does that translate in today’s dollars? What is it worth now? The Inflation Calculator says it is worth $545.60. Wow! For a 17 year old I was into more cheddar than a cheese loving food inspector at a cheese factory. Four years later when I started teaching high school in 1971 I signed a contract in the amount of $7,200 a year. What is it worth now? The Inflation Calculator says that amounts to $46,487.76 today. Forget the change, for a 21 year old, you might think that I could make it rain! I didn’t. Nevertheless, my income comparisons gave new meaning to the expression that starts out, “When I was your age, I was only making…” Yes, now, with my “I only made this amount blinders” removed, I see how blessed I really was, at least from my new perspective on earnings.
There is another thing that increases in value over time; the word of God. It is like a truly rare diamond that not only retains its value, but it increases in value over time, as we develop a dependence and appreciation of the Scriptures and as we grow older in Christ; becoming more mature in our spirituality. Yes, as time passes, the value of God’s word keeps increasing. We keep seeing clearer and clearer that it is our source of help, heavenly strength, and it provides us with a haven of comfort. With every advancing situation and as we face situations by approaching the word of God for guidance, the word takes on added value. Oh, its value or in other words, its worth, definitely increases over time. Haven’t you found that out by now? Well, let me get personal and ask you a question related to God’s word in your life today as compared to years ago, “What’s it worth now?” Make your reply just as personal as my inquiry. Hopefully you have seen it not only retain its value, but increase in value much like a truly rare and valuable diamond. You know, there is nothing in our possession that retains and increases in value like God’s word. Now, just as I looked at my wages from a new perspective, look at what you gain from the Scriptures, seeing it from a new and valued viewpoint. I believe you will say, “Now I see how blessed I was from a past perspective and how blessed I am from a present perspective.” Then, just think ahead of how blessed you will be depending on God’s word in the future. Have a great Monday, a refreshing start to the week! Be blessed!
“Truth from your mouth means more to me than striking it rich in a gold mine.” (Psalm 119:72 MSG)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King