...you don't need it...

The Rich Young Man

“16 Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness. 19 Honor your father and mother. Also, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions” Matthew 19:16-22.

This is a challenge to us all. Let’s be honest about that! We live in a culture that overwhelms us with stuff, most of which we don’t need or ever use. Our attics and garages and storage units are a sad testimony to the way we live. We have walk-in closets and bureaus filled with clothes that we don’t need.

Can we open our hearts enough to hear Jesus speaking to us today?

Can we hear Him saying to each of us: “The way you live matters to Me and to you! Sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor. Give away all that you don’t need or use, and give to those who don’t have anything.”

If you don’t use it - lose it! 

Stop talking yourself into continuing to live this lifestyle.

If you do this, Jesus is promising that “you will have treasure in heaven, (and this will free you up to make the decision) to come, follow Me” verse 21.

So today you have a choice: Are you going to walk away whining and convincing yourself that the way you live is just fine? Or are you going to stop and follow Jesus Christ?

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.

From the Bible:

“Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys” Luke 12:33.

“And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need” Acts 2:45.

“Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse” Proverbs 28:27.