One thing I love about Jesus
is that He knows all our flaws and loves us anyway. He will point them out if
we ask……but watch out because the answer my reveal to us something about
ourselves that we didn’t realize. It can be quite humbling because we typically
think of ourselves better than we truly are. Jesus points out the
truth. Take the young man in the scripture below. He just told Jesus that
he has obeyed all the commandments (my advice: never tell Jesus that because a
severe humbling will follow). Now without saying “No you haven’t!” or scolding
him Jesus simply says that he must sell his possessions, give the proceeds to
the poor, and follow me. In his refusal, the young man showed that he did not
in fact keep the commandments Jesus listed. By refusing to sell his possessions
and give to the poor he showed he did not love his neighbor as himself. Most of
all it showed that the man broke the greatest commandment by putting his wealth
ahead of obeying God.
Just then
a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get
eternal life?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus
replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep
the commandments.” “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “‘You
shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you
shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and
‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do
I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be
perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will
have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the
young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Matthew 19:16-22
This was a personalized
prescription Jesus gave to heal a huge disease the young man wasn’t aware he
had in his heart. The young man truly believed he was righteous and didn’t
realize just how important his wealth was to him. Once Jesus pointed it out the
man went away sad.
So, I’m not saying we need
to sell all our possessions to show we love our neighbor. But I am saying that
how we hang onto our wealth says a great deal about how much we trust God and
love our neighbors. If we have a heart like Jesus we will always be
willing to financially meet a need if God prompts us to do so.
Next time God has a need
come across your path I challenge you to open your hands to God and give beyond
what you can afford and see how He will bless you in return. Having a heart
like Jesus means having sensitivity and a willingness to give to those in need
trusting that God will meet your needs. He always does - Amen?