The One Thing: Finding True Treasure in Christ

Deep inside every human heart is a longing for something more. Even people who appear highly successful often feel that life must be more than eating, working, earning, and sleeping. There is an inner voice that quietly asks, “Is this all there is?” This hunger for deeper meaning is something God Himself has placed within us.

This inner search is clearly seen in the story of Jesus and the rich young ruler. The young man was wealthy, respected in society, and disciplined in keeping religious laws. From the outside, his life looked perfect. Yet something troubled him deeply, and that is why he came running to Lord Jesus with an important question about eternal life. Even with all his achievements, he sensed that something vital was missing.

Jesus responded to him with these words:

“You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”(Luke 18:22 – NIV)

At first glance, this sounds extreme. But Jesus was not attacking the man’s wealth He was addressing the man’s heart. The Gospel of Mark adds an important detail that helps us understand Jesus’ motive:

“Jesus looked at him and loved him.”
(Mark 10:21 – NIV)

Lord Jesus spoke these words with love, not anger. He was not calling the man to poverty, but to freedom. Wealth itself is not evil, but when wealth controls the heart, it becomes a barrier between a person and God. Jesus was inviting him into true riches a life filled with eternal value, not temporary satisfaction.

The young man had succeeded by the world’s standards, but his success had not given him peace. Someone once wrote wisely:

“Our Lord never patches up our natural virtues; He remakes the whole person from the inside.”

This explains the problem clearly. The rich young ruler was doing many right things on the outside, but inside, he was still empty. His obedience to the law could not change his heart. Jesus identified the one thing that stood between him and true discipleship his wealth had quietly become an idol.

In the same way, Jesus lovingly calls each of us to examine our own hearts. Our “one thing” may not be money. For some, it may be ambition always chasing success. For others, it may be relationships, fear of people, comfort, pride, or the desire to stay in control. These things are not always sinful by themselves, but when they take God’s place in our hearts, they become obstacles to following Him fully.

Lord Jesus taught this principle very clearly when He said:

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”(Matthew 6:21 – NKJV)

In simple terms, whatever we value most will eventually control our thoughts, decisions, and actions. That is why the apostle Paul gives this instruction:

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”(Colossians 3:2 – NIV)

Apostle Paul is not saying we should ignore daily responsibilities. He is reminding us that our deepest focus and greatest hope must be centred on God, not on temporary things.

Following Jesus is not only about believing the right doctrines—it is about surrendering our lives to Him. Real faith always produces visible change. The Bible puts it plainly:

“Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
(James 2:17 – NIV)

This means that genuine faith shows itself through obedience, generosity, forgiveness, and love. A transformed heart leads to a transformed life.

Jesus’ invitation to the rich young ruler is still spoken to us today:

“Come, follow Me.”(Mark 10:21 – ESV)

This invitation is personal. Jesus does not force anyone to follow Him. He invites us to trust Him, to let go of what holds us back, and to walk with Him daily.

The journey of discipleship is not a one-time decision; it is a lifelong walk. Along the way, God may ask us to surrender different things at different times. But it is in laying down our “one thing” that we experience true freedom, lasting joy, and real life in Christ.

Bible Reading: Exodus 4-6

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The One Thing: Finding True Treasure in Christ

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