The One Thing: Finding True Treasure in Christ

In the heart of every person is a quest for something more, an understanding that life must have a deeper meaning than what is tangibly before us. This quest is vividly illustrated in the encounter between Lord Jesus and the rich young ruler. The young man had wealth, status, and adherence to the law, yet he knew something was missing – he lacked eternal life.

Jesus' response to the man's quest is profound, "You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me" (Luke 18:22). In Mark 10:21, we see Jesus delivering this challenging command with a gaze filled with love. This is not a call to poverty but a call to true riches – treasures not of this world but of the heart and of heaven.

The man had succeeded by the world's standards but found his success empty. As a great man once wrote, "Our Lord never patches up our natural virtues, He remakes the whole man on the inside." The young ruler's external adherence to the law couldn’t mask his internal poverty. Jesus pointed out the one thing that was an obstacle to his discipleship – his wealth, which had become an idol in his heart.

Just as Jesus identified the young man's obstacle, He calls us to examine our hearts and identify what stands in the way of full discipleship. It may not be wealth; it could be ambition, relationships, fear, or comfort. Whatever it is, it takes the Savior's loving gaze and His gentle yet firm hand to reveal and remove these barriers.

The Bible warns us about idols – anything that takes the place of God in our lives. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). The Apostle Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:2 to "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." These scriptures encourage us to evaluate our priorities and affections.

Embracing discipleship means surrendering all to follow Jesus. It's a transformation that begins within and manifests in how we live out our faith. As James 2:17 states, "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." True discipleship involves not just belief but action – a life that mirrors the love and generosity of Christ.

Jesus' invitation to the rich young ruler is extended to us: "Come, follow Me." It's an invitation to a journey of faith that is personal. It is a call to live not for ourselves but for Him who gave Himself for us.

The journey of discipleship is lifelong and filled with moments of surrender. It is in laying down our "one thing" that we find true life in Christ.

The One Thing: Finding True Treasure in Christ

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