I recently read a news report concerning a novice treasure hunter living in Britain. After purchasing a metal detector, he struck out on his first treasure hunt. Surprisingly, and to the amazement of many, he found a hidden treasure. His discovery included Roman gold coins from the late fourth century. Experts believe the coins were buried, as was the custom, as a sacrifice to the gods by an individual beginning a journey or going off to war.

While reading this news story I found myself asking several questions.

Did the individual, giving the gold as a sacrifice, believe that he was now under the protection of the gods during his travels or on the battle field? What about those soldiers who were financially unable to leave such a gift for the gods? Did they leave feeling as if they had no protection or had not found the favor of their gods? How did they feel about a god that seemed to play favorites? How did they cope with knowing the favor of a god could be bought?

I found myself feeling grateful that we have a God who does not play favorites. His Son was sacrificed for all mankind, not just a few. He does not ask for gifts of gold to gain His favor or protection.

"But glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God (Romans 2:10-11).

God not only shows no partiality but expects the same from us. In James 2:1-13 we are told not to treat the rich man better than the poor man. It is easy for mankind to see the wealth of a man as something to esteem, but God looks at the heart of a man, not at His wealth. He asks us to treat our brothers and sisters without partiality or favoritism, paying no attention to whether they are rich or poor.

Since God does not show partiality and we are expected to treat the rich and poor alike, how do we treat them? If a poor man is in need can I turn my back on him, if I do the same to the rich man? Luke 6:31 gives us the answer to this question by stating that we should treat others in the same way that we would like to be treated.

What a beautiful way for God to teach us about His way of life. Treat everyone, rich or poor, the way we would want to be treated. When we search the Word of God for answers to the way we should live our life, it can be like searching for hidden treasure. We can see the treasure of God’s Word as something that will change the lives of both the rich and the poor, not only today but for eternity.