Love those dollars?

Is my life shaped around true things of value?  In Mark 10, we learn about a good, moral young man who came to Jesus asking about gaining eternal life. He was not only good, he was also rich. The tone of his question leads me to believe that he expected Jesus to say something like, "You're doing just fine. Keep up the good work!"  He had scrupulously observed the commandments, after all.  But, he got a real surprise.  "Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth."(Mark 10:20-22, NIV)  Despite his morality, he did not truly love God. He loved his wealth. The only cure for him was radical. "Give it all away!"  It was not the fact that he was wealthy that was a problem. It was that he loved the security he derived from having it. Again, let me ask, what do you love? What fills your imagination, shapes your prayers, forms your purpose?  It that thing (money, status, reputation, skill, pleasure, work, church) keeping you from the one thing that is most important for a person who would find eternal life? Jesus said that there are just two commandments that encompass all the rest:  "Love God with your whole being; and love others as you love yourself."  When others review the story of your life, will they see that you pursued God's reign and purposes, that you entered His Kingdom?  Or, will they see some folly that kept your heart and mind from knowing Him completely? Annie Dillard writes about the Franklin Expedition that set out to explore the Arctic in 1845 from England. On the ships, there was an organ, china place settings, fine wine glasses, and silver flatware, along with full dress uniforms for the officers.  These things replaced extra coal and rations. In 1848, a rescue expedition went in search of the missing party. All 128 men had perished. Skeletons were found a distance from the ships along with silks, scented soaps, and officers in full dress. How foolish!  But Dillard observes that when we hang onto things that are ultimately useless we will look no less foolish. The rest of the story in Mark 10 gives us great hope.  When the disciples saw that this good, moral man did not make the right choice, they were dismayed and wondered who could, if he could not! God's grace shines brightly at that moment.  Take this word from the Word with you today. Trust the work of the Spirit and when He draws you away from trinkets to the true riches of Heaven, respond with a ready yes! "Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”  The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.  Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”"(Mark 10:24-27, NLT)  __________ Draw Me Close Draw me close to You,  never let me go. I lay it all down again, To hear You say  that I'm Your friend. You are my desire,  no one else will do, 'Cause nothing else  could take Your place, To feel the warmth  of Your embrace, Help me find the way,  bring me back to You. You're all I want! You're all I've ever needed! You're all I want! Help me know You are near. Kelly Carpenter © 1994 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Vineyard Music USA) CCLI License # 810055