As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.’” He said to him, “Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Mark 10:17-22

Often, we interpret this passage in a very exclusive way.  Jesus told this man, and this man alone, to sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow Jesus.  Yes, you can point to many wealthy people in the gospels who follow Christ, and even support the ministry so one could conceivably interpret this passage for the man alone.  But what do you need to give up so you can follow Jesus better?  Is there something that holds you back from greater discipleship?

Most of us have something.  It might not be wealth or possessions, rather it might be a relationship, or a hobby or a habit.  It might even be a combination of things.  What we frequently need to do is practice self-examination (or Holy Spirit led self-examination) and ask the Spirit to show us areas where we lack.  This does not mean we have to give up everything, we just need to put God first and allow God to put everything else in perspective.

As you journey through this week, practice the prayer of examen.  Ask the Spirit to show you areas that are placed above God, and ask for help. 

Peace,

Pastor Bill