The Problem With Great Wealth

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Scripture: Matthew 19:19-22 (ESV)

20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Devotion:

How do you respond to Jesus' invitation to follow him? Do you eagerly accept his offer of eternal life, or do you hesitate because of what you might have to give up? In this passage, we see a young man who came to Jesus with a sincere question: what must he do to inherit eternal life? He claimed to have kept all the commandments since his youth, but Jesus saw that there was one thing he loved more than God: his wealth. Jesus challenged him to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and follow him. But the young man could not do it. He walked away sad, because he had great possessions. Let this be a reminder that the reward of eternal life, the ultimate treasure in heaven, far surpasses any earthly possession.

This story shows us the danger of idolatry, which is anything that takes the place of God in our hearts. The young man's idol was his money, which gave him security, comfort, and status. He thought he was righteous, but he failed to love God with all his heart, soul, and mind, and to love his neighbor as himself. He missed the opportunity to follow Jesus, who is the true treasure in heaven. Let us be enlightened by this story and examine our own hearts for any idols that may be hindering our full devotion to God.

What is your idol? What are you holding on to that prevents you from following Jesus wholeheartedly? It could be money, but it could also be your career, your family, your reputation, your hobbies, or anything else that you value more than God. Jesus calls us to surrender everything to him, to lay down our pride, and to trust him for our provision, protection, and purpose. He promises that whoever loses his life for his sake will find it and that no one who has left anything for him will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age and in the age to come eternal life (Mark 10:29-30).

Following Jesus is costly, but it is also rewarding. He is the pearl of great price, worth selling everything for. He is the good shepherd, who lays down his life for the sheep. He is the way, the truth, and the life, who leads us to the Father. He is the king of kings, who will return to judge the living and the dead. He is the Lord of lords, who deserves our worship, obedience, and devotion. Will you follow him today? Let us ask God for His help:

Prayer:

            Heavenly Father, we so often let the things we possess keep us from serving you with our whole selves. Please help us see that the eternal benefits of obedience to your teaching far outweigh anything the world offers. May we be devoted disciples of yours who are always ready to follow where you lead us. Amen.

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