Who is the greatest storyteller of all time? Of course the answer is Jesus Christ. We know Jesus could captivate thousands when He told stories; He sometimes used objects around Him to hold people’s attention and relate to them.
In Matthew 18:10–14, Jesus used sheep and a shepherd to teach about how much He loved them. In Matthew 6:26 Jesus emphasized that He takes care of the birds in the sky, and that He loves us much more than them. Why wouldn’t He take care of us even more than He does the birds?
Jesus uses His creation to stress certain truths in the Bible. I wear pearls to reach the same goal.
Do you wear something every day that reminds you of Christ or as a tool to share the gospel? Perhaps you wear a W.W.J.D. bracelet or have a certain bumper sticker on your car to help share.
While I was in college at Jacksonville State University, I wore pearls every day. Pearls go with everything, from a t-shirt to a Sunday dress, and it made getting ready for classes and work easy.
At first I wore pearls as a simple way to look classy and was quickly known as “the girl who wears pearls.” People would constantly ask me, “Julie, why do you wear pearls every day?” At first, I did not have an answer other than the fact that pearls were an easy way to dress up an outfit.
Biblical connection
One day I read Matthew 13:45–46: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it” (emphasis mine).
As I read this verse the Lord showed me how to use pearls as an instrument to share the gospel. Since then I have an answer for why I wear them daily — they remind me of these five truths:
1. Heaven is the treasure.
Let’s go back to Matthew 13:45–46.
Do you collect anything? Maybe baseball cards, comic books or stamps? What if you found the rarest comic book of all time? Would you sell all your other comic books just for that one, knowing you had been searching for it for years? In these verses the merchant finds a pearl, just one pearl, and knowing its value he sells everything to buy it, knowing nothing else is worth more.
When you understand the value of heaven you should hold tight to its truth and never let go. Heaven is the only treasure worth holding onto — nothing else is worth more. When I wear my pearls, it reminds me that heaven is the only treasure worth seeking — heaven is where you spend eternity worshiping the Father and creator!
2. My eternal home is paid for.
This eternal home is already paid for by Christ’s death on the cross. Sin separates God’s most loved creation from Him. Because of God’s love for us He sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to fill this gap (John 3:16). Eternity is paid for, so now all you must do is accept the gift through repenting of your sins, believing Jesus is God’s Son and confessing Jesus as your Lord and Savior daily.
Once you do this you can lean on faith, knowing you will be in your eternal home one day.
When I wear my pearls, it reminds me of the truth that my eternity is paid for through Christ’s death, burial, resurrection and ascension. I do not deserve this gift, but I gladly accept it.
3. Die to yourself daily
Other than brushing your teeth, it can be a challenge to do something every day. It’s a challenge to get up and workout daily because you’re tired and it’s difficult to get motivated. It’s a challenge to eat breakfast daily because you might be in a hurry to get to work. It’s a challenge to be joyful daily knowing the hardship in your life. It’s a challenge to die to your own ways, deny yourself and pick up your cross daily because life slaps you in the face at every turn.
‘Die to self’
Scripture constantly tells us to die to ourselves and live for Christ. Luke 9:23 reads, “And He said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’”
Other verses that instruct Christians in this truth are Galatians 2:20, Luke 14:33, 1 Corinthians 15:31, Philippians 1:21, Romans 6:1–11 and Romans 12:1, to name a few.
As I wear my pearls daily I’m reminded to die to my own ways and the ways of the world and live for Christ. If you daily die to yourself, you are reminding yourself of the gospel. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “The most important daily habit we can possess is to remind ourselves of the gospel.” I hope this is your daily habit.
4. When sharing the gospel
Matthew 7:6 reads, “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces” (emphasis mine).
Just as pigs or dogs will not appreciate pearls, some people will not appreciate the good news in God’s word. As Christians we are instructed to share the good news of the gospel. There will be times when the good news is not accepted or is mocked; then we should pray and move on to others who will appreciate the good news. You may know and understand the value of heaven, but not everyone will see it.
5. Hold heaven close to you
“And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass” (Rev. 21:21, emphasis mine).
In this verse, the author of Revelation mentions pearls at the entryway of heaven. As I wear my pearls it makes me feel a little closer to heaven, as if I am wearing a piece of “home” everywhere I am. I have no idea what exactly the gates look like, but it is a comfort having a glimpse into the eternity of glory as I wear my pearls.
It seems strange to hold home so close when I have never been there, but I have no doubt Christ is waiting for me just as He is for everyone who has placed their faith in Him. You might not use pearls as a tool to share the gospel, but I hope you find something you use daily to open the door and share with others.
Share with others: