It ain’t mine to keep

Matthew 19:23-24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

It is nearly impossible to condense all the truths taught in the parable of the rich young ruler, especially when you live in a country obsessed and weighed by the monetary possessions we measure ourselves by. We are so pulled by the tug of sin found in our pursuits of stuff, that we measure ourselves without seemingly even knowing it. Houses, toys, cars, cash, all seemingly related to a power we feel in them. We are chasing a power and happiness in them that is of the ruler of this world; we are chasing what Satan wants us to chase, for money is likely our biggest test from God. Money can become our God, even thousands of years ago just as this rich young ruler. You may say you have trouble understanding the Bible, but God has made this perfectly clear. Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (ESV) I have heard many a sermon on how we value our money; simply put, take a look at your checking account and the truth will be made known.

I have stepped out of the pulpit and back into the business world myself. I am sure that many think in the pursuit of money, which is not true. There are many business owners out there that use their success to invest in ministry and eternal work; they utilize their financial blessing to invest in kingdom work. This is a root of this parable. Are you blessed; are you tithing at your church, or even giving above your tithe? Are you giving back to God out of the tug of duty and being religious, or out of love for what He has entrusted you with? There is an eternal difference in the two. One brings condemnation, for you think you are being saved by your works; the other brings immeasurable joy to the heart, for you are entering into the joy of the Lord by following his example. The summary to this parable is found in the middle of it; 21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” Jesus taught for three years how to follow him, countless examples and clear calls to those who asked. He was calling for us to make him first in our hearts; if he is first in our hearts it becomes easy to follow his example of living our lives with an eternal focus. It becomes easy to give away to the needy, when the world says to hide away for ourselves. It becomes easy to lay down our daily burdens and follow Jesus knowing we are eternally safe and secure there. Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

The first book written in the New Testament was written by Jesus’ half brother James who did not believe until after he saw his Brother arise from the dead and ascend into heaven. James, by the Holy Spirit, in the first chapter wrote how everything we possess in life, comes from God. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. When you can grasp that all you have is a gift from God, how can you not be moved to pass that gift on to others? The world would tell you to keep it, but they see your heart for your God in the passing on of any gift to them. They want to know more about this God that you love so much to give away what the world values so much. Through the eternal investments in kingdom work the Great Commission is preached. Follow Jesus’ example today and give to the poor; show your love for him by setting an example by which the world does not understand. Through this example eternal doors are opened for sharing the Gospel to a world that is dying and headed to hell. Opening those eternal doors with the financial blessings He has entrusted you with will bring you a joy that no amount of money or possessions could ever attain