Tim Keller is quoted as having said that, "every other treasure you have to purchase: Jesus is the only treasure that purchased you". How true is that! Salvation is a free gift and is of infinite, incomparable value - there is nothing that even comes close. In light of this, the bible warns us about placing our trust and value in earthly things that are temporal and can steal Jesus' rightful place in our hearts. Instead, we are called to build up our treasures in heaven, living in light of the Kingdom and the greatest gift of all.
If you ever believed that God couldn't use you because of your past, you need to hear God's message through Peter. A disciple that...