The Rich Young Ruler

I wanted to share a sobering scripture with you. A popular story of the Rich Young Ruler. His story is told in Matthew 19:16-22. He asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life? Which is the same question as, what should I do to get to heaven? He was very confident and told Jesus he followed the 10 commandments to the letter, not wavering in his commitment to follow all of them. Jesus encouraged him yet added to go sell his possessions and give to the poor. The man was very rich and the scriptures describe his facial expression, at this point as being sad and downcast. He walked away as he was not willing to do it.

Riches like beauty is relative. To many of us do not realize that we are rich. To others who are richer than us do not consider themselves as having enough wealth either. Like the rich young ruler it is easy to justify and hold on tight to what we have as we think we have so little, we ourselves have experience financial lows in our life or the commitment to give can be to great for what we are willing to give. But you're right in saying, "this was the rich young ruler. His life is different from mine. I really am not rich". Maybe what stops you from giving is that your life is busy with too many projects and errands. Maybe you're a parent who has little children and don't feel you can afford to give. Maybe your a student or you have an illness with expensive health care needs. It is amazing to think there is always someone worse off than you.

The rich Young Ruler's heart for helping the poor was exposed. Jesus would have taken noticed if he had been honest and said I'll have to work on it. For now what I can give is this... as Jesus may have been looking to see his reaction. He had mastered his spiritual life a great fete and example for all of us but he wasn't keen on loving sacrificially; when it was difficult for him. Some of us have accomplished a lot and have a good sense of spirituality. But while you strive for your ultimate goal, remember the poor.