Spiritual Heartbreak

The account recorded in Luke 18:18-23 is one that is probably familiar to all of us. Let me give you my paraphrase. Basically, a rich man asked Jesus a GIGANTIC question. “What should I do to inherit eternal life?” Initially, Jesus answered this man with what he knew he wanted to hear…’You must obey the commandments.’ But then Jesus said something that shook this man’s world so dramatically that it moved him to spiritual heartbreak. Jesus instructed him to sell all of his possessions, give all the profits to the poor, and follow him. Now, the obvious lesson in this is that the man cherished his wealth over helping others and learning from Christ. He couldn’t let go of his ‘stuff.’ But let me take this a step further…..one level deeper for a minute. As I read this passage in my own devotions this morning, I began thinking about the people in my own life who are (by my own definition) wealthy…financially blessed…well-off. I would think that most of their possessions would bless anyone less fortunate than them…a dependable car…nice clothes…a house to keep them warm…etc. So, as I read again Jesus’ instructions to this young man I was lead to question why…why did he not simply ask him to give his possessions directly to the poor? Then it hit me. I would suggest that the vast majority of his ‘wealth’ was valuable to him, but would be virtually worthless to those whom Jesus was referring to. Priceless works of art, ancient pottery, a dozen servants, etc. Here’s my very blunt, modern translation of what I believe Jesus was challenging this guy…’Quit worshipping all your meaningless crap and fully worship me by noticing the real needs of others around you.’

How many of us enjoy the amenities of our own meaningless crap in life? I am personally challenged as I write this blog on my Macbook…while enjoying my venti iced Americano…in the comfort of an air-conditioned Starbucks…and taking advantage of free Wi-Fi. I must constantly remind myself not to rely on these things more than my personal time with God.

I pray that this will be encouragement for you too this week. If it’s been a month…a week…or even a day, take some priceless time with Him today. Ask Him to reveal to you what you must do to truly follow Him.

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

The Best Thing

What is the ‘best’ thing about living the Christian life? Some might say that it’s eternal life, or the ability to connect with the creator of the universe via prayer. Still others would say having God’s blessings, or even a viable meaning to life. While I would agree that all of those are very true, a better ‘Best Thing’ exists…and it’s found in the passage below.

He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

2 Corinthians 5:15-17 (NLT)

Jesus fed the hungry, forgave the oppressed, healed the blind and the crippled, brought the dead back to life, and ultimately gave himself for us. The ‘best’ thing about living the Christian life, I would argue, is simply being Christ to others. Everything about how we act and what we do must have more focus on others than ourselves. It’s a matter of priorities. Putting someone else’s needs above our own is not extremely common, nor does it come natural.

This week, may all of us who call ourselves believers intentionally be on the lookout for an opportunity to bless a total stranger in an unexpected, spirit-led manner. May God lead us, strengthen us, and give us the words to speak.