“As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’[d]” 20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” Mark 10.17-23
I’ve recently been watching ‘The Crown’ on Netflix. It’s the story of the life of Queen Elizabeth II from England, and it’s been fascinating. As the longest-reigning monarch in the UK, she was an impressive figure. One specific aspect that stands out about her and the other members of the royal family is their vast wealth. The palaces, castles, and private homes are all massive and filled with priceless riches, conveying a sense of royalty and majesty. It’s certainly a lifestyle that only a few can enjoy.
In this passage, Jesus is talking about money. But as we dig deeper, we realize that wealth is not the true barrier keeping this man from following Jesus but his love for it. He leaves sad from his interaction with Jesus because he was unable to give up his riches to follow God even though he obeyed the other commandments.
Money is not the root of all evil but rather the love of it. Any number of objects might take hold of our heart and replace love, respect, and adoration for Christ. Pride, power, lust, wealth, influence, or fame can all take the place of our allegiance and our love for God.
Even though Queen Elizabeth II had immense amounts of wealth, it appears that she had a love for Christ and a relationship with God that caused her to serve her subjects. Her dozen-plus meetings with the Reverend Billy Graham speak volumes about her pursuit and personal love for Jesus.
I wonder what is keeping us from loving and serving Christ? What barriers get in the way of us obeying the Lord? What is God asking you to relinquish so that you might be the servant that he has called and commissioned you to be? By his grace and for his glory.
“O Lord God, thank you for the ways you bless us! And yet, please help us not to make an idol of any material item. You are our love and our God. Thank you for calling us to be imitators of you. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. Help us know that we can find strength and salvation in your name. I love you, Lord, and praise your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen”