Jesus’ parable of the pearl merchant has helped me understand the manner in which the Lord has worked in my life. Jesus’ primary emphasis was that Father’s value system be discovered, embraced, and function in the Earth. The Pearl of Great Price exemplifies a system in which we sell that which is “good” for Father’s highest. This parable is not addressing the difference between what is moral or evil, holy or worldly. It is an invitation not to settle for good but to exchange all and enter the fullness of God.

When the merchant sold “all that he had,” we might imagine he sold his home and possessions to buy this pearl. Haggling in the markets, he would have acquired many, quality to sell for a hefty profit. However, these pearls suddenly paled in comparison to the one that was finest. He faced a pivotal decision: Could he let go of what is good to have what is best?

Like the pearl merchant, there have been many times when I have been faced with a choice. Would I let go of what appeared good to embrace what was greatest? Allow me to share three illustrations from my own life:

• After serving as a corpsman in the Navy, I was drawn to the field of medicine. While attending seminary, I worked as an assistant to one of the top surgeons at a local hospital. Seeing my natural talent in the operating room, he offered to pay my way through medical school and surgical residency. It was a dream come true. Everything in my person leapt with excitement. But Father reminded me, “I have called you to be a healer of souls, not a healer of bodies.” Pivotal decision!
• As I became recognized as an important voice in the charismatic outpouring, a powerful national evangelist offered me a position in his ministry. I was promised, “You’ll never have another worry about finances.” Most tempting! But the Lord clearly spoke to me not to touch it. Pivotal decision!
• Another time I was offered a large church facility in a prominent city. It was paid for, in excellent condition, and no strings were attached. It would have been the perfect place to build a ministry. WOW! Again, the Lord warned me most clearly not to touch it. Pivotal decision!

In retrospect, I came to understand that if I had I failed to respond to Father’s voice at any of those pivotal junctures, the demands of the other pearls would have prevented me from being free to follow the Lord’s purposes into what has been His best.

Most of us have experienced pivots that have been as life changing. However, pivots may be less dramatic such as declining an invitation or being careful and responsive with words or spending. Perhaps you can identify a long-held “good” belief that needed to be released in order to embrace a deeper understanding of Father. What matters is asking Father to show you how to be faithful in your present commitment until He reveals the next pearl-trading opportunity. When we trade pearls to the best of our ability and in accordance with His ideas, Father begins to open to us.

Jesus called His generation to become pearl traders. Many refused to pivot and forfeited the Kingdom of God (Matt. 21:43). Jesus’ disciples became pearl traders and inherited the Kingdom revealed on Earth. Paul was a passionate pearl trader (Phil. 3:7-11). The early believers and martyrs then and now are pearl traders. Through the centuries they have kept the Truth continually unfolding, passing it on to our stewardship.

The Church as we have known it is facing a pivotal transition, perhaps the most critical in its history. In many ways we are being challenged to let go of some of our good pearls, which have served us well, to enter the fullness of Father’s purposes for the coming age. Do we have the courage? Will we simply keep polishing our present pearls?

All of us at Lifechangers are committed to those who have been filled with a yearning for the fathomless Pearl of the Kingdom. May we embrace the invitation to trust Father open handedly exchanging “all” for His best.

Bob Mumford