Today's Passage: Matthew 19
Jesus' directions on divorce are very important and if nothing else should provide a very real consideration to the level of commitment required in marriage. For today's blog, however, I would like to focus on the story of the rich young ruler.
We all have probably heard this story at one time or another; personally I can't even count the number of times I have heard a sermon podcast or seen a t-shirt with some part of this story depicted in it. Somehow the lesson in the story still rings true for all of us. This story has little really to do with the fact that the man was rich or a ruler. The real root of this lesson is: Are you and I willing to discard everything in our lives to follow Jesus?
The youth just got done with a lesson on becoming selfless last night in Hack. We learned that being selfless is being submissive to both God and man. Elevating others to a higher level of worth than ourselves. That is all Jesus was asking the ruler to do: "just show me that I (Jesus) am more important than your possessions."
We all have "possessions" in our lives that we really enjoy. Sometimes they are physical possessions, but sometimes they are friends, hobbies or even jobs. If we aren't willing to give these up for Christ than we are in the same boat as the rich young ruler. We walk away sad that we aren't growing closer to God when the real culprit is us and our unwillingness to put Him first.
I'm going to challenge you this week to do something. Before you start your day, while you're brushing your teeth or getting dressed, just pray every day for God to show you what He would like you to give up for Him. If you are brave enough to follow through with it I know that He will bless you.
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