What do I still lack?

The story of the rich young ruler is told in the books of Matthew, Mark and Luke. The fact that it is repeated in 3 out of the 4 gospels tells me that it was a very important lesson that we need to learn. This young ruler came to Jesus asking him what he must do to have eternal life. I find it interesting that Jesus told him to focus on the basics as listed in the 10 commandments. The young man said that he observed all these things. It is clear that he felt that he was not yet there as he asked the Lord "...what do I still lack?" Jesus told him to sell his material goods, give the money to the poor and follow him.

Now, I don't believe that Jesus wants us all to take the vow of poverty. On the contrary I believe that God wants to put wealth into our hands. However, I do believe that God does not want that wealth to have our hearts. This young ruler, although he was doing all the right things like many Christians today, was held in the grip of materialism. In today's world he would have been saved like you and I. He would have been a tither and give both mandatory and free will offerings. We would have looked at him and would have thought that for sure this guy had attained eternal life. However, his heart did not belong to God. It belonged to his wealth.

The Bible records that he went away very sad and Jesus made the comment that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. So what is the antidote for materialism. How can we avoid the fowler's snare that this young man found himself in?

1. God must be the center of our lives. We cannot look to the left or to the right. We must let God be all in all. Our eyes must be on him alone. I have resolved that when I am in his presence I will focus on him. I will not ask him for material wealth but will thank him for his provision because his word says that if we seek him first, all these things shall be added to us.
2. We must evaluate our lives honestly and see what has our hearts. What is it that I am not willing to do without? What would I begrudge God, should he tell me to give it away? The Isaac test was for God to be sure that Abraham's heart was in the right place. Would you give away your Isaac?

I think about Hannah. She begged God for a son, crying as if her heart would break. Then God gives her this child and tells her that she must then be separated from him as soon as he is weaned. If you were Hannah, would you give God your son? What is that one thing that you want for yourself so badly? What have you been crying out for? What have you travailed for and finally received? If God asked you for it, would you give it back? Sela!