I want to start my devotional this morning with a story from the Gospel of Matthew. A young rich ruler approached Jesus and asked “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” Jesus replied with; “if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” The young man responded, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” 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.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions (Mathew 19:16-22 NKJV).

What does this story tell us? Is it merely just a story of some spoiled, rich kid who came to Jesus to tell him how great the young man was and promise him a place in heaven? Was he one of these young whippersnappers who thinks money just grows on trees and wants to buy his way into heaven? Maybe Jesus was just trying to show how much he detested material wealth! But I don’t think it’s actually any of those three. In fact, this encounter with the young man is an encounter Jesus has with all of us at some point and time.

Christ calls upon each of us to remove the idol within our lives that is preventing us from fully following Him.

Think about it for a minute, we all have things in our lives that hinder our ability or desire to grow in our knowledge of Christ. Perhaps its money, but maybe its power or social prominence. Why is Christianity so often unpopular in the entertainment or tech industry? Because such an industry is built upon glorifying fame and self aggrandizement, which leaves little room for Jesus. In countless interviews with Christian celebrities or leaders they share how maintaining their faith is difficult because the industry is so opposite of Christ.

Jesus looks into the depths of our souls and calls upon us to shed the idols that have consumed our lives and taken his place. Our challenge is submitting to such a divine call. The young man wanted to check off the boxes and earn his way into the Kingdom. It doesn’t work like that. We as humans are always trying to do the very least to gain the greatest reward. And in the end, all that happens is we miss out on knowing our Savior better!

If we as Christians are merely doing the minimum in order to check our “get into heaven” box, then I worry we may be worshiping not a savior, but an idol of laziness. An idol cannot lead you to the Kingdom of God, only Jesus Christ can do that!

Perhaps, instead of asking Jesus, “what must I do?” We should ask Jesus, “what do you need me to do?” Let Christ be the one to guide your relationship as opposed to having Him conform to your schedule. And don’t fret, Jesus knows that we are human! He isn’t going to push you beyond the bounds of your ability!

But then again, those bounds may be further than you think. But only Christ can show you just how far you can grow!

Let’s grow together, brothers and sisters!

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Pastor Mike McVey
Minister – First United Methodist Church, Fairfield TX
ACS Chaplain – United States Coast Guard, Station Galveston TX
Chaplain – Texas Game Warden Service
Cell: 919-935-2513
Email: pastormike@fumcfairfield.org