The Hidden Treasure and Pearl of Great Price

Since becoming a follower of Jesus, I have always heard that being a Christian meant that I was to give God everything, every part of me. He is now my Lord and I surrender all of me to Him. The Kingdom of God was an obligation, a path full of oughts and shoulds driven by the motivation of self-discipline. But, Jesus' idea of the Kingdom is completely different. He tells short parables about two men both who sell everything they have in order to get something. One gets a treasure, the other a pearl. So far, this fits with most religions. But, the difference in these stories is the motivation. Rather than duty, these people do it for joy. And, this is why God's Kingdom is beautiful.