There’s a story in the Bible of a rich young ruler that wanted to follow Jesus. He proclaimed that he had kept all the commandments of Moses (yeah, right—as if anyone can do that!), but Jesus responded to him, “One thing you still lack: sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
For those of us that want to follow Jesus, this is a lesson we must take fully to heart. So let’s examine closer what was really going on here.
Did Jesus mean that everyone who follows Him must literally sell all their possessions? No. Jesus saw into the heart of this young man and knew of his love for money. As much as he wanted to follow Jesus, this man cared more for his material possessions. His wealth had become his god.
The greatest commandment in the Bible is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. The second is similar: to love your neighbor as yourself. (Matt. 22:37-39) God requires that we love Him first and foremost above all other people, all other things, and above ourselves. He requires it. He deserves it. And to the one who obeys this command, the gates of heaven are thrown open and the blessings of God come pouring forth.
But to the one who places a greater value on other people, other things, or the selfish desires of their own hearts, Jesus said “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle….”
My own heart echoes the response of the rich young ruler to this treatise: “Who then can be saved?”
To which Jesus quickly answered: “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.”
For those who think their salvation is up to them, this is another confirmation that our salvation is only possible because God makes it so. He calls us. He draws us to Himself. He paid the price for our salvation through the life, death, burial, and resurrection of His one and only Son, Jesus. And He enables us to love Him enough to put Him first in our life.
Is there ‘one thing’ in your life? Is there one thing that stands between you and a close, personal relationship with the One True God of the universe? Is it money, as in the case of the rich young ruler? Is it sin? Is it pride? Is it a person, a job, a habit, or a selfish desire?
God knows your heart. He created you. He formed you. He has been there with you, walking with you through every day of your life. And He loves you with a love that knows no bounds…. Are you willing to love Him enough to give up your one thing today? Are you willing to ask Him to enable you to love Him above all else in your life?
All I know is this: If you are willing, He is ready. And it is a choice you will never regret….