Now 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, obey the commandments.” “Which ones?” the man enquired. Jesus replied, “‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honour your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbour 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)
Have you ever met a rich miserable person? Have you ever met a person who has the finest house, car, clothes, and country club membership that money can buy, yet is still not happy? Many of us get pulled into the lie that we need to continue to acquire bigger and better things to be happy. Look around and you can see that it doesn’t work. Some of the unhappiest people are the wealthy. We might find a temporary thrill in the moment of purchase, but how long does that last? Is the joy still there when the new car has a dent?
Jesus knew that money and possessions would be a stumbling block to us and gives us a story to learn by. His words to a rich young man to sell all and give it to the poor was to show that this particular young man had a problem with loving money. It had become his god, and Jesus was shedding light on this young man’s idol. Unfortunately, like many, the young man held on to the money and walked away from Jesus.
What place do money and possessions hold in your life? Do you shop when you are mad? Do you eat when you are sad? Do you feel like you have to have more or are you content with what you have? How much is enough for you to be satisfied? Prayerfully ask God to show you if “things” have become an idol in your life. If they have, hand each one of them over to Jesus and exchange them for His peace. Don’t hang onto something that can be broken, lost, or stolen; those items just aren’t worth it!