Lovewell: A Theology - Day 23

Matthew 19:21
21 Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Do you have anyone in your life who is kind of an aesthetic? Someone who just doesn’t seem that interested in material things. Someone who doesn’t need that new cell phone, they couldn't really care about getting a new car, as their old one seems to work just fine, and they haven’t upgraded their computer for 8 years now. These people are amazing, and I wish I was born with that gene in me, but I did not, unfortunately.

I find myself looking for the new gadget, being jealous of nice things, and always wanting the “new new,” as the kids say!

Jesus was speaking to this rich young man, and the young man was pretty clear on the fact that he had done everything that the law required of him to do in order to receive eternal life. When Jesus heard this young man alost boast as to what he had accomplished, Jesus threw out the last thing that the man needed to do in order to obtain that eternal life he so wanted. Jesus told him to sell all his possessions, give the money away, and then, and only then, would he receive heaven.

These are tough words, to be sure. And I don’t know if these are the same words that Jesus would give to everyone. I doubt it very highly in fact. But this man was too caught up in what he had. I mean, the scriptures even introduce him as the “rich young ruler”. So his possessions seemed to be part of his identity. When this begins to happen, we begin to identify as what we possess, rather than by who possesses us.

Jesus recognizes this trait in this young man and he confronts him on this particular issue. Now, this is not to say that people shouldn’t have nice things, or that it is a sin to spend your money in a way that benefits you. I believe these words to be coming from Jesus because he senses the deep seated dysfunction of this young man. He wants to free this young man from his affliction, the desire for material things above all.

What do you think Jesus might say to you about what is going on deep inside of you that might be stopping you from seeking the kingdom of heaven first? What might you be holding onto too tightly? What do you think you need to dig deep into in your life in order to really seek first the kingdom of God above all?

1. What can you let go of? 
2. What do you need to grab onto? 
3. How can you find what is deepest in your heart that is holding you back from experiencing and expanding the kingdom of God in your life? 
4. Sometimes, it is good to discuss this with others who know you and love you so you can get a different perspective on yourself than you might normally have.