It seems to that life is a string of choices that we make every day. We understand that every choice comes with a cost. Most of us, unfortunately, find it is easier to choose the things I want to do, rather than what I should do.
This week I have had the privilege to speak at Family Camp. The request came after my summer schedule was all filled with a number of ministry and personal commitments. The thought did briefly cross my mind, to decline, but I accepted and I am glad that I did. It was one of those special life and ministry opportunities, that infrequently comes along. It has been great to hang with the great staff at Gilead, reconnect with other friends, family and to make some new acquaintances. The one blessing that stands above the others was the opportunity to draw closer to the Lord by having to prepare and preach nine messages over the five-day camp.
Early this morning in my devotional time, I was touched by the well known account of the Rich Young Man. When asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”(Mark 10:17) Jesus responded by addressing his need to keep the commandments, something that the young man claims to have done since his youth. Yet, there was obviously something missing in his life.
The issue was he was living life on his own terms. Yes, it is easy to be a religious person and miss a genuine relationship with our Creator. It happens when we do religion on our terms, paying lips service to what the Bible really teaches. Jesus knowing the real issue, offers him the opportunity of eternity. An opportunity to be set free from living for self and realizing what it means to live for God. Jesus responds, “And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”” (Mark 10:21)
Many of us squirm and wrestle with Jesus’ offer because it touches close to home. The young man’s issue was not a money issue, but a heart issue. His wealth, maybe unknown to him, had become an idol in his life. It is amazing how we can rationalize, or tell ourselves rational-lies, to justify not surrendering to God. The problem with an idol in our life is that it stands between us and a relationship with the Lord.
The last verse of the account has to be the saddest response, rejecting Jesus’ offer for an eternal relationship with our Creator. “Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (Mark 10:22) It would be my hope that later on he came to his senses. The reality is that many who stiff arm God in their lives stubbornly continue to justify themselves. They end up missing God’s best for their life. This can also be true for those who do know the Lord that plateau in the faith.
There were many reasons for me to decline the opportunity to minister this week. Let us not miss responding to the opportunities for growth and blessing in knowing and serving the Lord.
-Pastor Joe Parkinson