Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. (Matthew 19:20-22)
Christ pointed the rich young man to the law, and the man said he followed it. Don’t kill, don’t steal - the rich young man knew and followed the letter of the law, but he missed the heart of the law completely. The heart of the law is LOVE – without it, we cannot follow Christ!
Love the Lord and love your neighbor. - this is the heart of the law!
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40)
We are the rich young ruler – in the wonderful US of A, it isn’t poverty, persecution, and chains that entangle us; but wealth, entertainment, and licentiousness. Like the rich young ruler, are we trusting in our material blessings, or the promises of God?
We must not let wealth be our security - give it away - give until it hurts! Keep your eye on your heavenly bank account and use your earthly one to show the love of Christ to those in need. But more than that – give love!
#LoveMatters