Scripture
“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. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again, I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:21-26)
Observation
Jesus makes a statement that can seem to be stringent to people who have wealth or value wealth. Did Jesus really mean that it would be really difficult for people of wealth to enter heaven? I believe that it is more a matter of the heart, rather than whether someone has wealth or not. The question is, does one place wealth before and above Jesus? I believe that Jesus was telling the rich man that if he wanted to be “perfect,” he should seek and set his mind on things above. Thus, to go and sell all of his possessions, give to the poor; and his treasures would be stored in heaven. God does not call us to be perfect, but He does call us to put Him first, and be willing to put people before profit, and giving to those in need. The second of the greatest commandments is to love thy neighbor as thy self.
Application
I recall in times past, threading a needle to reattach a button to a piece of clothing. I remember having to prep the thread to become a point, with no strand at all deviating from the point of the thread. I had to be steady-handed, and focusing as I carefully pushed the thread point through the needle. I believe that metaphorically it is similar, where I need to prepare myself for God’s will and work, refining myself to a fine point, being steady in my walk and ways, and always focusing on the race God as called me to; and not being distracted by the ways of the world.
Prayer
Dear Lord, may my eyes be focused on you, not on material gain and wealth. May I understand you want my heart, and that my heart should be a heart after the things above, rather than riches and wealth.
