Oscar Wilde’s character, Lord Darlington, in his play “Lady Windermere’s Fan,” defines a cynic as “a man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.”
I’m not sure if that is the best definition of a cynic, but it resonates with me. At times, it seems consistent with our outlook on the cost of loving our neighbor or supporting our institutions and our community. Loving my neighbor? Supporting my church? Caring for the poor, the elderly, the hungry, the needy? The cynic might say these things take too much money with little if no benefit or gain. What’s in it for me? Where’s the value?
Before Lord Darlington’s definition of a cynic, Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not be afraid, little flock……[sell] your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven…]. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:32-34)
Jesus is no cynic. To the contrary, he knows the value of everything and calls us to recognize that life, community (the Kingdom), ourselves and our neighbor are priceless–even if we see them as worthless. Jesus calls us to value the righteousness of the Kingdom and to invest in it and give our heart to it.
“Do not be afraid,” Jesus says. The Kingdom is price-less (it cannot be purchased and there are no upgrades, private lounges, or premium perks). It is a treasure given without merit, not to those who believe themselves worthy or to have earned it. Instead, the Kingdom is given to those who value it–who treasure it, and set their heart on it and its economy of love, service, and sacrifice.
“[W]here your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
