Who has heard this story in the Bible about the rich man?
The rich man asked Jesus “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”
Jesus told the man there is only who is good, but to gain eternal life one must keep the commandments.
The man replied that he had kept the commandments and asked what else could he do.
Jesus said “if you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.
The man turned away from Jesus because he had obtained many possessions and did not want to part with them.
Could you imagine being so enamored with things of this world that you turn your back to Jesus and walk away? And it said he was sad, so he knew what he was giving up. Yet the world still had such a hold on him.
As Jesus continued speaking to his disciples- he explained how humanly impossible it is to be saved without God-with God everything is possible.
The first time I heard this story I very humanly thought “I don’t blame the guy” because who wants to live without possessions?
As I grew in my faith and my walk with Jesus I reflected on this story many times. I’m not sure why this is one that engrained itself in my mind, but it is.
My siblings and I were raised without much; however, our needs were always met. So, I wanted to grow up to be rich and shower my family and myself with all the shiny things.
But that is not the purpose of this life, nor is it anywhere close to the chaotic direction I took my life.
As I reflected on this story and my life synced more and more with God I began to feel pain for that man who turned his back to Jesus and kept his possessions.
I long to be in the physical presence of Jesus. I could never give my back to him and walk away.
But there was a time when I was a lost soul who would not have batted an eye at doing so.
In light of the amazing news I received today, I was once again reminded of this story.
Honestly, the last several years have caused this reflection.
The road I’m on is one that I have prayed about, been convicted of, and faithfully trusted God in all his plans.
This is not the road that will lead me to worldly riches, but heavenly gain.
I have had to have patience, work in places that drain me, and give my time freely, but happily, knowing something was going to come of it.
Patience is not my forte, and I’m 100% certain it is a familial trait.
We are here for such a short time, and I live for the moments and the memories, not the possessions.
I am excited to continue pouring into my community and can wait to see how God uses me because this work is for Him, but man it lights my soul up.
If I ever got rich I know what I would do with the riches, I’m sure not turning my back on God.
Let’s be real, I wouldn’t hate being rich but never at the expense of my soul and place in eternity.
Do you have possessions in your life that you wouldn’t give up if Jesus asked you to?- because it’s holding you back.
(And if you are rich-your life is between you and God, I am not here to convict that)
Matthew 19:16