Perhaps you have seen the television program, "The Antique Road Show," where people bring items from home to have them professionally appraised. The item may be a family piece, memento, art, heirloom, or collectible.
More often than not, folks bringing items are surprised by the appraisers' evaluations. [And we television viewers wonder if we have anything like that in our attics!] Appraisers discern the value based upon their background and expertise in antiques and collectibles. Both knowledge and discernment contribute to the value appraisers place on items.

This principle is true in the spiritual realm as well. How do you appraise spiritual matters? Jesus said, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses" (Luke 12:15, NKJV). What is your perspective of the material realm and the spiritual realm? Both knowledge and discernment contribute to the value you place on spiritual matters. The biblical viewpoint is that spiritual matters are of the greatest value and importance.

The value of an IMMORTAL SOUL-who can calculate it? Jesus said, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26). Even if a person were to gain the whole world and lose his soul, that person would sustain a loss that cannot be calculated. One immortal soul is worth more than all the riches of this world.

The value of the BIBLE-who can calculate it? "Buy truth and do not sell it" (Proverbs 23:23). Truth is truly a precious and priceless commodity from God.

The value of JESUS CHRIST-who can calculate it? "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15). God gave heaven's precious jewel for our salvation.

The value of the CHURCH-who can calculate it? "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). To be a member of the spiritual family, a citizen in His kingdom, has priceless benefits.

The value of ETERNAL LIFE IN HEAVEN-who can calculate it? "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4). Beyond calculation is the valued assurance that Jesus is preparing this place for us and for all the redeemed for eternity (John 14:1-6).

Whether describing antique values or spiritual values, appraisal requires knowledge and discernment. Paul said, "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ" (Philippians 1:9, 10).

Therefore, let each of us know, discern, and approve the spiritual values!