A few years ago, one of my dearest friends in life, Leigh Anne, lost her battle with colon cancer. When she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, where many people would make up their bucket list, Leigh Anne’s words were much different. She declared her greatest hope to be that when the journey was over, however it would end, she would be able to say that she had no spiritual regrets.
A very different narrative plays out in three of the four Gospels. Matthew, Mark and Luke all share the account of the Rich Young Ruler. If you recall he comes to Jesus and he asks Him, “what do I have to do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus went through some of the commandments, “don’t commit adultery, don’t murder, don’t steal, don’t bear false witness, don’t defraud, honor your father and mother.” The Ruler quickly responded, “I have kept all these commandments from my youth.” Then in verse 21 of Mark 10 Jesus said, “there’s one thing you lack: go and sell everything you have and give to the poor, take up the cross and follow me.”
Sadly, this is one of the only times in Scripture where someone comes to Jesus and leaves worse off than when he came. Dejected, the Rich Young Ruler turns around and walks away, choosing his temporary, earthly riches over eternal riches.
Here’s the thing, God doesn’t expect everyone to go and sell everything and give every thing away to the poor. That’s not what this passage is suggesting. You see, Jesus knew exactly what needed to be said to this young man. He knew what was occupying this young man’s life.
Just like the rich young ruler, God knows UNIQUELY what He needs to ask of us. God knows what is occupying your life and if you’ll listen closely and seek Him, He’ll reveal it to you so that you can walk in freedom and abundant life.
What’s occupying your life today? What are you holding on to that you just can’t seem to give up? What takes precedence over God in your life?
Relationships? Finances? Popularity? Agenda? TV? Computer? Social Media? Fear? Pride? Unforgiveness? Bitterness? Shame? Condemnation?
The Bible doesn’t give us a further glimpse into this rich young ruler, but I can just picture him many years later toward the end of his life, walking on the beach by his ocean front mansion, wrinkled and bent over with age, hand-in-hand with his grandson. And his grandson asks him, “Papa, tell me that story again about the time you met that man named Jesus.”
And with his wrinkled, sad, brow, his voice cracking, he recalls the scene with greater regret than ever before. Ah, Jesus. He asked me to sell everything I had and give it to the poor and take up my cross and follow him. But I just couldn’t let go of all my … stuff. Greatest mistake I ever made!
Chances are, God is not asking you to give up everything you own. He’s just asking you to give up what OWN’S YOU.
At the end of your life will your words be …
“Greatest mistake I ever made.”
or …
“I have no Spiritual Regrets?
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2014 M.O.M. Conference ~ BETTER TOGETHER
July 31st – August 2nd,
Jacksonville, Florida at Trinity Baptist Church
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