Luke 18:18-29

". . .  (Jesus) said to him, 'you still lack one thing.  Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come,  follow me.' "  (v 22)

This is the story of the rich young man who met Jesus and asked what he must do to inherit eternal life.  You might want to read the entire passage to get the full implication of the story.  But the key word here is "rich."

This man's wealth had made his life comfortable.   Having wealth does that.  You don't have to worry about paying your bills, you can buy what you want without looking at price tags, and we'll probably never see you at the sale rack.  Your life is comfortable and it feels good not to have to live hand to mouth, wondering how you're going to meet all the monthy expenses.  There is nothing wrong with this; there's nothing in the Bible that says you can't have wealth.  Money is good.

This man's wealth also gave him prestige.  When you are a person of financial means, people look up to you, they pay homage to you, they want you on their boards of directors and want to sell you pressbox seats for all the major sports events.  And they want to be seen with you.  They are hoping some of your "importance" will rub off on them simply by association. 

And this man's wealth also gave him power.  Power is a very intoxicating thing; it enables you to control people's lives and events around you.  Now this can be good, or it can be bad.  It all depends on the attitude of your heart, as does all things.

Comfort, power, and prestige  -  a dynamic combination to say the least.  This was the basis of the rich young ruler's security and identity, and most people that are wealthy base their security and identity on their wealth.  They can buy and sell whatever they want, therefore they have no need of God. 

This young man had asked Jesus what he had to do to be saved. He knew he was lost and was seeking salvation.  Jesus asked this rich young ruler to walk away from his wealth and to follow him, but the young man couldn't do.   This wealthy young man wasn't lost because he had money, he was lost becuse the money had him. 

Is there anything in your life that is more important than the Lord Jesus Christ?  Has your basis of security shifted from God to what you own?  Is there anything you possess that you couldn't give away without another thought about it?  Where do you find your worth and security?

Lord Jesus, I have made you my Savior and my Master.  Deliver me from any greed or averice that may be hiding in my heart.  You, my Lord, are my all in all.  In you I live and breathe and have my being.  If I have you, I have everything.  Keep my heart pure, Lord.  I ask in your Name.  Amen.