WHEN BELIEF IS TESTED
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Matthew 19:20-22 (NIV)
There are two mistakes you can make with this passage. One is to assume this applies to everyone. The other is to assume it applies to no one. The reason Jesus says this to the man is that Jesus has taken the backseat to money. Something else is ruling the throne of this man’s heart, and Jesus sees it. How do you know what’s ruling in your heart today? What’s the thing you lie awake thinking about? What’s the thing that consumes most of your thoughts, both good and bad? This is the place to start. Money was on this man’s mind. Often, our but gets in the way. I’ll follow you, Jesus, BUT if this thing happens, I’m out. I will follow you, Jesus, BUT I need to know that this is going to work out. This is how we find what’s an idol in our hearts, by looking at what’s dominating our thoughts and attention.
Jesus isn’t saying money is bad. It’s the love of money that causes problems. God has called some people to make a lot of money and generously use it for His Kingdom. The issue we’ll have is that a good thing becomes an ultimate thing to us. This rich young ruler knew something was off. Do you notice what he asked Jesus? What do I still lack? When something else is ruling your life, Christ can’t, and His peace, power and love aren’t ruling over you either. This man was trying to earn and work towards the grace of God. He was willing to do a lot but not completely surrender. When we’re controlled by two things, we become miserable. Maybe the issues in your heart and life aren’t with your circumstances but with what’s ruling over you. The way to Jesus is complete surrender, and those who do find life and find it to the fullest. Follow Him wherever He may call and at whatever cost. It’s worth it!
APPLICATION: Give back whatever is competing with God for your thoughts and affections today.
PRAYER: Ask the Spirit to reveal anything competing for your heart. Ask Him to show why you’re putting your trust in that. Surrender whatever He reveals to you. Sit for a moment and let His protection, power and passion fill you up!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?