Jesus said, "Don't murder, don't commit adultery, don't steal, don't lie, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as you do yourself."
The young man said, "I've done all that. What do I lack?"
"If you want to give it all you've got," Jesus replied, "go sell your possessions; give everything to the poor. All your wealth will then be in heaven. Then come follow me."
That was the last thing the young man expected to hear. And so, he hung his head and he walked away. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and he couldn't bear to let go.
Matthew 19:16-22
As I read through this interesting dialogue this morning, at first I could not relate to it. I do not have alot of money. I do not have alot of material wealth. I began to dismiss it and thought I was off the hook.
But that four word hook, got me..."What do I lack?"
WHAT do i lack?
what DO i lack?
what do I lack?
what do i LACK?
What do I lack ? Wow, this guy had alot of guts to ask Jesus this question. He was basically giving Jesus permission to call him on anything in his life that was more important than his relationship to Jesus. And Jesus did! This young mans unwavering passion for his money and material things kicked any thought of a relationship with Jesus, to the curb.
When Jesus told him what he lacked, he hung his head and went away sad because he had great wealth.
We cannot love God with all of our hearts and yet keep other parts of our lives to ourselves. Loving him totally means using every parts of our lives in ways that please him.
Does anything come before God in your life?
Here are some things that may come before God in your life:
- pride and personal independence
- happiness at any cost
- desire for power
- desire for recognition
- pursuing personal wants
- deception is acceptable
- weak commitments
What do I lack?
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