The Pearls Price

Famous jeweler Pierre Cartier purchased the Fifth Avenue mansion that is his New York jewelry store for $100 cash.  Plus a double strand of natural pearls. Natural pearls are rare and valuable.  That double strand Mr. Cartier paid with in 1917 was valued at $1 million!

A few years ago I wanted a strand of pearls – they’re a staple of southern accessorizing. While shopping, I discovered retail mark-up at brick-and-mortar jewelry stores can be three times as high as at an online retailer. That’s money I could save to spend on other things. But then again, I’d have to buy the strand sight-unseen when buying online, could be risky. What’s a gal to do? Pay full retail with the assurance of getting something of quality, or save some money to spend on another desire and risk receiving something of little worth in return?

This is really the question of our lives.

What is worth “paying retail” for? Jesus tells us the Kingdom of God is—see what I mean in Matthew chapter 13. Here Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a pearl of superb quality: “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a pearl merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it! (vs. 45-46).” Jesus compared His kingdom to jewelry—this is a God after my own heart.

The pearl merchant Jesus spoke of searched single-mindedly for quality treasure. He wasn’t swayed by just any pretty round gem; he was looking to invest in the best. And when he found it, he didn’t hesitate to pay full retail price—to go after it with gusto. I admire him—ready to invest all he had once he found a treasure worthy of such sacrifice. He knew what was most valuable, and he stayed after it. He boldly invested all he had, and was happy with that decision. I want to be a woman like that—a woman decisively investing my life in the Kingdom of God without waver and without regret.

Are you willing to bank everything on the notion that Jesus Christ is the supreme pearl? That’s the underlying question of the parable of the pearl buyer, and the underlying question of our lives.

I never bought that strand of pearls; instead I’m seeking to live as if Jesus is the choicest pearl anyone could find. I want to settle it in my heart that any sacrifice I make for Him or His Kingdom is worth more than the time, money, or effort it may require of me. I’m choosing to put on Christ as my million-dollar, double strand pearl necklace, day after day.  Yes, friends, I’m sporting some biblical bling. What about you—are you willing to sell out to the one true thing worth selling out to?

—Rachel Olsen

Rachel holds a masters degree in communication. She works with Proverbs 31 Ministries as a writer, editor and speaker – and is the Editor in Chief of Encouragement for Today. Learn more and join Rachel on this journey of faith at www.RachelOlsen.com