Luke 18:22

"So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me" Luke 18:22.

What a shock. This young man had spent his life accumulating wealth. I suspect he had a good start from his father's estate, but he had worked to build his holdings. It's obvious that he was a good man for Jesus tells him to obey the commandments and lists four of them. "All of this I have done from my youth."

So I ask You, what had this young man failed in that Jesus would not allow him to enter the kingdom? Note: Jesus listed four commandments. These are the ones the young man had obeyed. There may have been others, but the list has been shortened. Then, Jesus gets down to the nitty gritty of the man's nature. "Sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor."

Now the young man had a problem. He rather enjoyed the fast chariot he drove. He liked the rich foods his personal chef prepared. The perks of the wealthy had overtaken him. What did he lack? He missed the first commandment. "You shall have no other gods before me." His wealth was his god. It came before his devotion to Jesus or the Father. This is why the rich gentleman left Jesus sad and despondent. He knew he lacked the ability to love God completely. He knew he was lacking in that and He was well aware of the fact that this deficiency would have to be corrected if he wanted any peace at all. I rather suspect he wished he hadn't asked the question!

I doubt that most of us have a real problem with excessive wealth. But do we have a problem with the first commandment? If Jesus were to tell you today that you must sell all you have, distribute it to the poor and then follow Him in complete trust that He would supply all your needs, would you be able to do it? Or would you say, "But Lord, my kids need new clothes." Or, "The baby needs a new pair of shoes" Or, "My wife is high maintenance. She must have her fancy clothes." Or, "I just bought that new car. The new car smell is still in it. I can't let it go!" Or . . ..

Just what god is first in your life? Hmmmmmmm. Amen.