The story is told about a traveler in Africa years ago coming upon children playing. As he drew near, he saw them playing marbles using diamonds. Diamonds were either so common or they did not recognize their value. Whether the story is fact or fiction, the truth is that many today fail to recognize the value of the salvation God offers to us. The Apostle Peter knew its value and expressed it this way in 1 Peter Ch 1, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.” Since the gift of God’s love—His precious Son– is so valuable, it behooves each of us to make sure we have availed ourselves of it by accepting the gift by faith in Jesus the Christ.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
