Scripture
21 Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.
Mark 10:21-22 NASB
Observation
The hope is that no one is truly like the rich young ruler. We might justify it by saying that we are not rich. But the fact is, this isn’t about money.
The rich young ruler walked away saddened because there was one thing in his life that he wasn’t willing to give up for Jesus. One thing!
From the outside looking in, the rich young ruler looked like the perfect disciple recruit. He had flowed the law and done well under the Jewish religion. But to go deeper with Jesus, he had to give up the thing that had a hold on him, his money.
What one thing are you holding back from Jesus? If Jesus asked you to give it up, would you do so willingly, or would you go away saddened because it was more important than Jesus?
Application
Everyone wants to believe that they could give up anything for Jesus if they really had too.
It might be a good idea to take time to evaluate those things close to you and reflect on what kind of hold they have on you or if you are able to let it go.
We shouldn’t put anything before our relationship with Jesus. When Jesus is truly #1, you can easilyet go of anything you need to.
Prayer
Lord, I desire to live so close to following You. Help me to always put You first. Help me to always be thinking about being free to honor You.
Peace
Todd