Which Path?

8/18/2020

Luke 18:23 “And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.”

This rich ruler walked away from Jesus and from the promise of eternal life. This verse talks about his sorrow, because he was not willing to give up his worldly riches. How many times in my own life have I followed a similar path? How many times have I felt or heard the Holy Spirit leading me away from a worldly stronghold in my life, only to ignore the charge and be left full of guilt and sorrow? I can certainly say it has happened more times then I like to admit. These times bring out the willful child in me. The things that Jesus asks me to give up or give away are often difficult, but if I am devoted to Him I should not hesitate to do so. Chambers writes, “…undress yourself morally before God of everything that might be a possession until you are a mere conscious human being and then give God that. That is where the battle is fought—in the domain of the will before God.”

As a believer, I am not guaranteed an easy stress-free life or one without sacrifice. Although my salvation was given freely, afterward there is an expectation of conduct. The Bible states very clearly that I should love God, love others, and focus on God above all else. Can you imagine how transformative it would be if I truly walked in faith every minute of every day? Isn’t that what I am called to do? Like the rich man who walked away, do I also walk away from Jesus even though I know Him? Also like the rich man, all that can ever lead to is sorrow.