What is something that you would have a difficult time letting go of, or giving up? What are some things that you would not want to have to part with because it would be too hard or “painful”?
One of our dogs’ most favorite toys is a stuffed brown bear which she likes to have us throw for her like a stick or a ball. Whenever we start talking to her in an excited voice she will immediately go and run for her little bear to play with. But even though she loves to chase after things when we throw them, when she brings her stuffed bear back to us, she does not always give it up willingly. If we try to take it away from her to throw it again, she will either pull it away at the last moment or hold her grip on it. After a little bit of coaxing she eventually gives it up, but this example reminds me of a passage of scripture from Mark 10.
In this passage, Jesus had a conversation with a man who, like our dog, had something that he did not want to give up.
Mark 10:17-30 “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,
But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.”
This man wanted something. He wanted eternal life, just as our dog wanted us to play with her, but just like our dog, he didn’t want to give something up in return for it. As a rich man with great possessions, this man’s wealth was more important to him than anything else, even eternal life. He had fallen into the snare of wealth and possessions, and their hold on him was so great that he couldn’t let them go.
Remember, the Bible teaches that the love of money is the root of all evil. The love for money and possessions cannot be put in a place over the things of God. We are to love God first, and place Him over everything else.
1 Timothy 6:6-10 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
Earthly riches are a fleeting thing. They come and they go, but they cannot buy happiness. Some of the richest people in the world can be some of the saddest and most lonely. True happiness comes from the true riches found in Jesus Christ.
How did Jesus live while on the Earth? Did He focus His time working and trying to become rich to gain possessions for Himself? Did His disciples? They may have been poor in the eyes of the world, but they were rich in the things of God. Spiritual things were more important to them than money, possessions, and houses. They were men who knew where the true riches could be found.
We need to “deny ourselves” as the Lord taught, and take up our cross and follow Him. We don’t serve money as Christians. We serve Christ, and when we do He will reward us.
In Christ,
Andrew
Teufer Lake King James Bible Church 