Gospel

Where Lies Your Heart?

by Roland Crim
04/29/17
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When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:22-27 NIV

In the gospel of Mark it tells us that Jesus looked at the rich young man with love before telling him that he needed to sell all that he owned. Jesus loved this rich young man, just as He loves all of us. He did not want this man to remain unsaved. Why did Jesus tell this young man to sell all he owned? Does Jesus say this to all who are wealthy? He told the young man to sell all he owned, as it was keeping him from turning his life over to Christ. His wealth controlled him. His wealth was unfortunately the treasure of his heart.

The love of money can be very powerful, and quite easily control a person. An individual under the control of money cannot serve God. This is why Christ said it would be very difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.

One must own a heart which belongs to Christ in order to inherit the kingdom of God. Anything which would block your heart from belonging to Christ must be eliminated.

I am sure many wealthy people have toiled with the dilemma of God vs money. Unfortunately, in most cases money will win out. What can be visibly seen and instant gratification are the norm of the day. Self-sacrifice and putting others first just doesn’t fit into the scheme of most people’s lives.

The riches provided by Christ far exceed the riches of this earth. Don’t let money and wealth be a stumbling block for you. Give all of you to Christ.