“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

A few years ago, officials in St. Cloud, FL, found a pickle jar full of old coins in the walls of a bungalow which was in the process of being torn down. About 2000 coins dating from 1917 were found, believed to be hidden by someone during the Great Depression. The house was sold because the homeowner failed to pay code-endorsement penalties. In fact, the previous owner had lived there for months with no water nor electricity. 861 half dollars, 1,016 quarters, 202 dimes, and three nickels were in the jar. The value of the coins as collector items were to be determined. However, the weight alone meant the silver was worth nearly $10,000. The hidden treasure, unused, was no help. A former Walt Disney World employee bought the place for $39,900.

We teach our children the song This Little Christian Light of Mine, in which they sing, “Hide it under a bushel? NO!” How many of us are hiding treasure within ourselves? The Lord gives us all talents. Are we hiding those talents, or are we using them to bring glory and honor to the Lord? Are we sharing the Gospel of Jesus, or are we hiding it inside ourselves because of fear or shame?

Many during the Great Depression hid money to use later. Assuming that is how this jar of change ended up in the wall, the money was not beneficial to that person. It was good to store it up, but by leaving it hidden, it did no one any good. It is profitable for us to store up God’s word in our hearts. However, if we are keeping the Good News of the Christ and our talents hidden from the world, neither are useful to us nor anyone else. How will you share the Gospel today?

Corey Sawyers