“For wherever your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
--Luke 12:34
Jesus has a way of getting right to the heart of our issues, doesn’t he?
Think about the New Testament story when the rich young ruler asked Jesus how to find eternal life. Jesus told him, “Sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.”
Jesus knew exactly what was standing in this young man’s way of following him – his wealth and possessions. But the man rejected Jesus’ invitation.
You see, there was a limit to the man’s interest in Jesus and Kingdom things. If it meant losing all his wealth, he didn't want to follow Jesus that much. In reality, he was an idolater; he loved his gold more than he loved God. He loved his possessions more than people because we learn that he wasn’t willing to get rid of his things in order to help the poor.
Is there anything standing between you and eternity with Jesus? Maybe you don’t have an issue with money, but maybe you’re clinging to a sinful pleasure, a lifestyle, a behavior, or an attitude. Each of these things, and many others, can keep you and me from following Jesus…but not if we repent, turn from our selfishness, and follow Jesus.
Let Jesus get to the heart of your issue and give you a new life.
IS THERE ANYTHING STANDING BETWEEN YOU AND ETERNITY WITH JESUS?
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?”
Deuteronomy 10:12–13
When his evangelistic ministry took him to England, J. Wilbur Chapman was eager to meet with William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army. Chapman sat and talked with the elderly man about his life and ministry, and then asked Booth why he had been able to accomplish so much for God’s kingdom. Booth replied, “I will tell you the secret. God has had all there was of me to have. There have been men with greater opportunities; but from the day I got the poor of London on my heart, and a vision of what Jesus Christ could do, I made up my mind that God would have all there was of William Booth. And if there is anything of power in the Salvation Army today, it is because God has had all the adoration of my heart, all the power of my will, and all the influence of my life.”
The Christian who loves God with only part of his heart will never be willing to make the sacrifices and commitment necessary to do great things for Him. When Jesus met Peter after the resurrection, He did not berate the brash disciple for his denial. Instead He focused on the condition of Peter’s heart. “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs” (John 21:15).
Today’s Growth Principle:
If you love God as you should, no sacrifice will be too great to make for His service.
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