Riches

Matthew 19 : 16 - 22
.....what do I still lack?.....

If only, if only more people would ask the Lord this question, perhaps even on a regular basis, as a review of life. Those who have yet to know Christ are often caught up in the search for material and other goods and would understandably not be open. But would Christians be open? Dare we ask the Lord this question? After all, we would easily admit that there are still many gaps (spiritual or otherwise) in our lives.

It is a risky question. I know that sometimes, I do not feel prepared, especially when I sense that the Lord is leading me somewhere I am not willing to go, as yet, anyway.

This little story is not unusual after all. It is played out in all our lives, especially as Christians. We have served much and have even kept God's commands, to the letter. But He is a God who desires an ever greater freedom and generosity in our lives. There is always space to grow in spiritual freedom. We may grow smug because of the many things we have given to the Lord......but often there are areas that remain closed to him. He gradually asks for more and more, not because he is a tyrant but just because he loves us and knows that even a small attachment would keep us from deep union with him.

The young man could not break his attachment, not this time anyway. He experienced sadness as he left. I would like to believe that sometime later, he came up again to Jesus, having freed himself of his material attachment. I imagine his joy then and also that of the choirs of angels in heaven!