Often, when we talk about treasure, we envision something rare and exotic, hard to find, and extraordinary. And, we typically measure its worth by monetary value. Treasure is expensive, and so we guard it, protect it, and keep it under lock and key. Treasure can be anything: beautiful baubles, the newest technology, rare books, the latest exercise equipment. But deep down, we know these things ultimately don’t matter. We might think of them as treasures, but they are just things: we enjoy them for a time, and then they pass away.
But as true treasures go, it is hard to match the Psalmist’s description of harmonious interpersonal connection and relationship. And, in fact, the only treasures worth the name are living beings—people [and other animals!], and our shared time and shared experiences. In short, real treasure is “living together in unity.”
In our current context, living in unity can be rare and extraordinary indeed. There are so many pressures in society that drive wedges between us, create suspicions and mistrust, and foster animosity and discord. But this is not how we are called to live; this is not how we are called to be. Created in the image of God, humans are created for relationship: we belong together, we belong to each other. Ultimately our treasure is our life together in Jesus Christ. And Christ invites us to see our true treasure in the faces of others—families, friends, neighbors, and strangers— and to live together with each other in peace and harmony.
This is hard—it takes patience and forbearance. But even though we don’t always get it right, we can be confident in the truth that our life together in Christ is stronger than all that would divide us, and deeper than the differences that divide us. Always, in all of our interactions, the Holy Spirit is moving and breathing, drawing us into fellowship, fostering love and mutual understanding, creating holy community. What a treasure it is to live with others in unity.