In Luke 18, there's a story of a rich official who meets Jesus. He proclaims: "Jesus you're a good teacher, what can I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus being Jesus-like answers his dramatic statement with a question with a little snark (I think). He says, " Why are you calling me good? Only God is good." I have to imagine this rich guy's head he's like.: "okkkk...." Jesus continues: "Have you done the things I've asked of you?" "Have you been honest with mom and dad?" "Have you killed or stolen in the the past 5 years?" The man answers that he's kept all his commands and lived a life worthy of a gold-star as for as rules and regulations go. Jesus responds: "Sell everything you have and give it to the poor. You will have riches in heaven. Come, follow Me" The rich guy, expecting a high five from Jesus, was taken back. The man left, and isn't mentioned again. Jesus spent some time teaching his disciples from that interaction, but lets focus on this guy who had it all, and walked away. See, I think this man was rich in more ways than just wealth. I'd like to think he was well-liked, talented in many ways. He was in leadership, his business was doing well. He had a lot of things going for him. When reading this passage, I'm instantly judgmental. "Man, this guy's an idiot. Why would you choose money over Jesus?!" Want to know why I judge this dude? Because I'm just like him. I have money that provides for my debts, needs, and then some. I have a steady paycheck with benefits. I have a couple things I'm good at. I, like every other human, have a desire to be liked. I desire to have a good reputation among my communities. I'm a leader in my local church...I have a lot. Jesus hones in on this guys' wealth, because he values it MORE than following Jesus. He's doing the same thing with us. So I find myself asking: "What do I value more than following Jesus?" It's a hard question that requires several large slices of humble pie. For me, it's not one thing. I knowingly and unknowingly have stuff that I value more than following Jesus. Some of it is good, too! In fact, I'm learning the gifts I receive from God are the very things I like to use to separate myself from Him. And He's asking me time and time again to give them all up, and follow Him. Here's a few of mine: -being taken seriously, proving myself as a leader and artist -my savior complex -the facade of control and knowledge -fear and worry over faith and trust -finacial stability -good reputation, being well-liked There's a fuller picture that we can't see with these things hindering our view and trust. It's only when the "separators" are identified and removed that we move closer to understanding WHY He asks us to give it up, and why His work and mission is worth the sacrifice.
1 Comment
Jander
9/25/2017 06:10:51 pm
Amen! A great reminder and challenge.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
September 2017
Categories |