Isn’t it difficult in our materialistic and prosperous culture to interpret Jesus’ command to leave everything to follow Him? To the rich young man, Jesus said: "If you want to be perfect, go and sell what you own and give the money to the destitute, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come back and follow me." (Matt. 19:21). And when Matthew was called to follow Jesus, he left everything behind, rose up and began to follow Him (Luke 5:28).
Jesus taught the parables of the treasure in a field and the pearl of great price (Matt. 13) to show the high price His followers should be willing to pay in order to gain the treasures in heaven. I can almost guarantee you that if you live your life with this kind of devotion—at the very least you will be viewed as a ‘misfit’, and the worst you will be scoffed at as though you had wasted your money to purchase an empty lot.
In the end, “leaving everything” is a heart issue, isn’t it!? Can you honestly say you are not owned by your possessions? Many people don't really own their possessions—their possessions own them. At first, controlled by the thought of owning them, and then possessed with the anxiety of losing them. “Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.” (Luke 12:34 NLT)
Greg, your blog is so thoughtful. Keep up the good work. I will return.
ReplyDeleteI have had to struggle with this ALL of my life. Growing up in poverty, I had the mindset that having possessions would show others of my "status". Recently, I have come to realize that my view is not only shallow, but is what has kept me in bondage for SO LONG. This is great, Greg. Thank you for this reminder.
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