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Mark 10:17-22
Today as we study the story of the rich young ruler, I want to debunk any thoughts that God disapproves of people being wealthy. The Bible teaches us in Proverbs 10:22 (NKJV), “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.” So how do we address this apparent contradiction in the teaching of the Bible? First, we know that the Bible does not contradict itself, but it is our understanding of it that needs help. If the Bible/God does not condemn being wealthy, then it must be our attitude toward being wealthy that is the issue. In the case of the rich young ruler, Jesus knew that the man simply wanted to add to his collection of things, eternal life, but He was not willing to put God first in his life in obedience and humility to God to receive it; he thought he could obtain it because he was rich. His attitude was not right with God – his heart was not open to receiving the gift. The key to this is found in Mark 10:22 as we learn, “22But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” This sentence is so important to understanding this passage because it reveals to us where the rich young man’s faith was – in his great possessions.
This is a promise and example that our attitude is a reflection of the condition of our heart.
Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
What do you treasure? Where is your heart? If your heart is focused on God and following His will for your life, the riches of this world will be blessings, but as we are soon to learn, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23).
Dear LORD,
We all have a desire to have things in this world; we all have a desire to be financially secure, but please help us to realize and understand that putting You first in our lives is most important and should be our focus. It is not our riches in this world that will save us, but our faith in You through opening our hearts to the richest gift of all of salvation in Christ Jesus. In Jesus name I pray, amen.