Jesus said it was hard for those that are rich to enter into the kingdom of God. Who is rich? Well, most of us don't feel very rich. There are more ways to be rich than money. We can be rich in family, rich in friends, rich in contentment, rich in happiness and joy. When you are unhappy on the inside, you can't get much poorer in this life. In the bible we see the story of a man who was rich, young and a community leader. Wow. You can't get much richer than this guy. The guy was living the dream, but he was still searching for something more.
Matthew 10: 17-24 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why call me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. You know the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honor your father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Teacher, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing you lack: go your way, sell whatsoever you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
We see that this was a good guy. He wanted to have eternal life, but in the end, his life on this earth was more important to him. Does God want all of us to give away our possessions? No. This was the only person that was told by Jesus to sell all of his possessions. What God desires is that our wealth doesn't mean more to us than our devotion to God. Is it just our money that God is talking about here? God is talking about all of our riches. Should we put our friends before God? No. How many times has someone followed friends above God, and then got into a bunch of trouble! Should we put our business before God? No. How many times has someone put their business first and then lost everything? Should we put our ease and comfort first in our lives? No. There is nothing that we can live for in this life, except God. To live for anything but God, is to be rich in that area of our life. Only when we lay down everything will we find the true grace of God . Is your relationship with God the most valuable thing in your life? If it isn't, consider the rich young ruler. It is hard for a person who is rich to get into the kingdom of God.
Mark 10: 23-25 And Jesus looked round about, and said unto his disciples, How hard for those that have riches to enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answered again, and said unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Think of how many people have suffered because they were rich in sinful living. When we live to sin, we are living a selfish self serving life. God asks us to turn from our sin, and to follow him by being obedient to the Bible. Sin brings dissatisfaction in this life. God brings peace and satisfaction. The rich young ruler that asked Jesus about eternal life went away sad, with his riches still intact. It was a sorrow that lasted a life time, and then even beyond. Maybe like this rich, young man you are already trying to live a good life doing the best you can. Jesus is asking you to lay down whatever you put in front of him, don't walk away sad.
