06/09/2026
In Luke 18 there is a story of a rich ruler who came to Jesus with a question. It’s a valid question. The question is simply this, what must I do to attain eternal life. Jesus then answers the man’s question by laying out a portion of the law. But, He was careful to leave out one part. The rich ruler then with excitement tells Jesus that he has done all of the things that Jesus had laid out. But, knowing his heart, Jesus then says this. “Sell everything you own and follow me”.
This is always where the rubber meets the road. We all like the idea of eternal life in Him. But, many of us are not willing to forsake everything and follow Him. See, whether we realize it or not, many of us have built for ourselves gods that we have placed before Him. We don’t often call them that, but that’s what they are. For this rich ruler, his god was his wealth. For some that god is their family, or maybe their career. Whatever it is, it is that very thing that is keeping us from Him.
Years ago that god for me was the image I had made for myself. It was a persona that I had put my all into. But, it was that image that was keeping me from realizing His salvation for me. It was only when I surrendered that thing to Him that I was able to experience His salvation for me.
Everyone of us has to make that decision. It is never easy because it costs us something. For some, it may cost family. For some, it may cost friends. For some, it may cost everything. But, there is something that awaits on the other side. If we surrender it all, God promises that He will give us life, and that more abundantly. He promises our entire household will be saved. It is only in letting go that we find the salvation we need.
