“… Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2-3 (NKJV)

Have you ever been on a scavenger hunt? They used to be popular at birthday parties where children would divide into teams. Each team received a list of 20 or more things to find, such as a red button, green paper clip, empty candy wrapper, large safety pin, or a cotton ball. The teams would go door to door in the neighborhood looking for items. The first team to return won a prize.

I have a bit of a competitive streak, so on scavenger hunts as a child, I worked hard to help my team collect everything and ran back to win. I’m also an organizer, so putting together lists for my children’s parties was fun. Then, as an adult, that competitive streak reappeared when kids would knock on my door with a list. I provided everything I had as quickly as possible so the team that came to my door would win.

Competing for a Prize

A similar game would be a treasure hunt where players use clues, maps, or riddles to find a hidden prize. The word treasure suggests money, gold, or jewels. It’s something highly valued.

When my children were preteens, they went on a treasure hunt in a department store at the mall to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift. With $20 between them, they found “diamond” rings for $10, so they each purchased one. When I opened the gifts on Mother’s Day, I found two of the most audacious rings, which were also the most beautiful things I had ever seen because they were from my children. While I don’t wear those rings, I still have them in my jewelry box years later as precious treasures with a high value for me.

We are on a scavenger hunt, or more aptly, a treasure hunt in our lives each day. We must find the right outfit in our closet, the ingredients we need to prepare a meal, and the right words to deal with the people we interact with each day. But our most rewarding treasure hunts come when we start our day in God’s word, looking for His treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Treasures hidden in Christ. 

Psalm 119:11 says, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Some versions say treasuredyour word in my heart.

In both Colossians 2:3 and Psalm 119:11, the word hidden indicates something stored up or treasured.

Our prize? His word hidden, treasured, or stored up in our hearts gives us what we need for the day and protects us from sin.

What could be a better prize than a pure heart reflecting His treasure in our hearts?

Are you searching for the treasures in Christ? Make a list of what you need and then start your search this week. Every treasure you find is a win.