Riches and Relationship
".go and sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; and come, be my disciple. (Matthew 19:21 Amplified)
So, we think that we are doing all the right things. We go to church, we've been saved, we've been baptized, and we may even be a deacon, ministry leader, even a missionary. We are very satisfied with our relationship with Jesus! Then we face the test: what are we willing to trade in for that relationship, that commitment to the Lord? Is Jesus pleased with our commitment to Him?
The rich young ruler stated that he had followed all the commandments since childhood; how commendable (seemingly impossible, but commendable)! Then Jesus, knowing the young man's true condition, asked him to give all the riches away and follow him, as He had no doubt asked others. This man chose the things of life and went away saddened and grieved. I wonder how many of us are grieved because we are holding on to things we need to let go of, so the Lord can have His perfect way with us.
"And anyone and everyone who has left houses and brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for my name's sake will receive many times more and will inherit eternal life." (Matthew 19:21 Amplified)
What do we need more than a closer walk with Jesus? What is more valuable than a deep and abiding relationship with our Savior? What investment can possibly give a better return for our time and possessions? What relationship has a higher priority? Be careful: it may be our job, our homes, our shiny new vehicles, our church, even our families. Nothing, NOTHING is more important than our relationship with the One who suffered for each of us!
What is Jesus asking us to give up, or at the very least, place below our relationship with Him? Our love for Him must make our desires for others and other things seem ridiculous. In fact, Jesus said others will think we despise family because of our love for Him. The comparison between our love for Christ and our love for others must be of no comparison! It should be that distinct!
So what do we have to change? What decisions need to be made to be totally sold out to serve as a living sacrifice before our God? Riches and relationships ; will we go away grieved and saddened, or receive His embrace as He says, "Well done!"?