God gave a beautiful world to enjoy. The Master’s hand with His creation is spectacular, to say the least. He gave such beauty so you will know who He is. Unfortunately, a crafty serpent stepped in to usurp man’s vision away from the Creator and enjoy life apart from God. Read Genesis 3 to see when this happened.
In Matthew 19:16-30, you read what happens when a person loves his life on earth more than God and what God has to say about it. A young man desired to know how to have eternal life. He sought the right person, Jesus Christ. He asked Jesus, “What good deed must I do to have eternal life?” He thought that he had to do something to please God. What do you learn from verse 17 about Jesus’ reply on goodness? Keep this mind as you study the rest of the passage.
Jesus tells the young man to keep the commandments. “I’ve obeyed all of them,” he confidently replied. “What else must I do?” Jesus answers him with the most pivotal answer that anchors every person’s faith:
“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.”21
Notice how the young man responded. He loved his life more than what God was offering him. He needed to learn the art of letting go. While difficult, it is vital to every man’s faith. Owning possessions will distract you away from God. You will be uninterested in following Christ for your heart will be on temporal things rather than eternal things.
The more you own, the more it owns you.
Earthly possessions cost you dearly. While they bring enjoyment, they are time suckers as well as money drainers when it comes to walking by faith. True believers for the Kingdom of God have separated themselves from the offerings of this world and focus on serving the Lord. True freedom that Christ offers, see Galatians 5:1, can only be found in God Himself.
While the young man wasn’t interested in letting go of his love affair with the world, Jesus takes this teaching to a deeper level with His disciples. They have learned the art of letting go. They have been able to live this way because they walked away from their earthly life and have focused on Christ. God’s call upon each of us is no different today. Are you willing to let go of worldly hindrances and receive the love and freedom of Christ?
What do you learn from Jesus’ words in verses 23-24? We all reply like the disciples did, “Lord, getting to heaven seems impossible!” And Jesus did say it was, but “with God, everything is possible.”26 God understands the dilemma from sin that came from Satan and disobedience. This is why He sent Jesus to become your lifeline back to Him. He is the only way; see John 14:6 and 15:5.
Peter asked a great question, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?”27 Do you wonder if it’s worth following Jesus wholeheartedly? How does Jesus reply in verses 28-30? He essentially is telling you that in the art of letting go it will be worth your time. God will refill you with so much more.
God calls His followers to put Jesus first and let God give back the blessings they deserve. The world says to get for yourself. Make something of yourself. Be your own boss. Do your own thing. Yet, you do not read anywhere in the Bible that the world’s way is God’s way. His way is opposite.
A big benefit from letting go and letting God lead is the ability to hear from Him clearly. You will gain discernment and have understanding in your days. The following quote from Never Forgotten Always Loved by Day Spring, Sept. 14, gives a great picture of the blessings you will receive from God when you walk in obedience to Him, “The greatest blessing you bring to your family is the presence of God in your life. The fragrance of His presence sweetens the atmosphere of your home. The beauty of His presence warms the relationships within its walls. The joy of His presence lightens every heart. The glory of His presence fills all its chambers with rare and precious treasures.”
See, God is worth the effort in trusting Him. Letting go will benefit your family. Marriages will be a reflection of Christ. The role of a husband will be lived out as well as the role of a wife. Harmony and unity are present when a husband leads his wife spiritually and the wife follows her role. Tension and chaos build when roles are reversed. Parents are to lead their children. It can’t be the other way around. You are to work for the Lord in all situations. Blessing occur when we let go and let God lead.
Living a single-focused life allows God to shine through you. His presence is what you and I are aiming for. He is the game changer for all situations.
(Note: I am taking next week off. I am going to see my son and his family.)
Carol J German 