Parting with the Things of the World

Mark 10:22

Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

The rich young man came to Jesus to inquire how he could inherit eternal life.  The young man proclaimed knowledge of the commandments and his complete compliance to the commandments, assuming this to be enough.  Jesus responded, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

The young man could not part with the things of this world.  He chose the world over the kingdom of God.

Our Heavenly Father has nothing against our possessions or our money.  Abraham, Moses and David all had great wealth.  Yet they all did what God asked them to do.  They placed their relationship with Almighty God above all else.  They used their wealth to help meet the needs of their people so that God would receive the glory.

At some point in our walk as disciples of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit will inspire us to surrender all that we are and all that we have to Jesus. Nothing less will be acceptable.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for all the provision that You have given us. We exalt Your name for the endless flow of Your blessings in our lives, most of which we take for granted.  We pray that the Holy Spirit will inspire and strengthen us to lift up Your name each day above all the things of the world.  We ask, Father, that You prepare our hearts to surrender all that we have and all that we are to You.  May we freely part with the provision that You have given us to meet the needs of those around us.  May it all be for Your glory and the gain of Your kingdom.  We ask these things in the name of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.