Mark 10:21 – Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”

Jesus was filled with loving compassion for this man because his life was so empty. He had climbed to the top of the ladder of success, only to find his ladder leaned against the wrong building. Instead of challenging the man’s fulfillment of the law, Jesus instead took him further down his own path. “So, you want to find fulfillment and salvation by doing for God? Then here, do it all.” Jesus wanted the man to see the futility of finding fulfillment or salvation through doing, but the man wouldn’t see it. He also did not choose to love God more than his wealth, even though Jesus specifically promised him treasure in heaven. The man was more interested in the earthly treasure of men than in God’s heavenly treasures. This man was essentially an idolater. Wealth was his God instead of the true God of the Bible. He put money first. This man, like all men by nature, had an orientation towards a works-righteousness; he asked, “what shall I do?” If we really want to do the works of God, it must begin with believing in Jesus, whom the Father has sent.

Challenge:

Jesus answered this man’s question because He loved him. When you ask God a question you must understand that you will get the answer you need and not necessarily the answer you want. Jesus knew this man had to get a handle on his love for his possessions. The bible says in 1 Timothy 6:10 that “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” To love anything more than God is to put God second. He wants to be first in your life. He wants to be your most important consideration. Your challenge this week is to put God first. Check your heart and be sure you are trusting in the Lord and not in your wealth. One sure way of doing this is to be generous toward others. Consider bringing a box or two of donuts to the office this week and bless your co-workers. Leave a tip for your server that is above 20% and leave before they know what you did. Pay for the order in the car behind you at the McDonald’s Drive-Thru to bless their day. There are many ways to bring joy to others heart’s. Be creative and be a blessing. God bless you.