Christ is not the same as ___________. Put whatever you would like in that blank. This Jesus that carried a cross up a hill, prayed until he bled, and bled for all, is not the same as anything or anyone else. I read 1st Peter in my devotion this morning, and the verse above brought me to tears. It struck a chord with where God is pulling me in my journey with Him. He is special.

Yesterday morning Dr. Trapani (a visiting minister. if you missed it, check out the sermons at newlifeac.org) talked about the treasure in the field. A treasure that enticed the man to buy the whole field just to get it. Christ is that treasure. The field can change. It may be a church, or a person, or an organization. The field is fluid. But the treasure, that is a constant. Christ IS that treasure. And that’s what Peter is saying. Set apart a special place in your heart for the treasure that you have found. Don’t treat it the same as you treat your favorite hobby or your sports team.

Dr. James Hughes once compared this treasure to the Crown Jewels of England, which are housed under tight security deep underground. What a treasure that must be, even though I haven’t seen it. Well, there is a treasure that I have seen. Not with a physical eye, but I’ve seen the work that it can accomplish in mine and other’s lives. I’ve felt it. And I’ve tasted that it is good. Far better than some big shiny rocks and far more worthy of protection.

“But in your heart, set apart Christ as Lord….” Today, set aside a special place in your heart. Purpose that Christ is going to have a portion that is reserved just for Him. A place where He doesn’t have to compete. He won’t feel neglected. He is a special treasure.

If you are interested, here are the verses before and after. If you never have (and even if you have), I would recommend reading I Peter on a regular basis. It is one of my favorite Scripture passages.

Verse 14: The rest of Verse 15 and Verse 16:

But in your heart, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”