“Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ So Jesus said to him, ‘You know the commandments. And he said, ‘All these things I have kept from my youth.’” Luke 18:18-20. (NKJV)
“I hope this is an exciting story like David and his mighty men.” Grandfather looked over the top of his glasses. “Sorry. I’ll listen.” Timmy plopped on the stool by Grandfather’s chair, shoulders slumped.
“A young man came to Jesus, asked how to inherit eternal life. The Lord Jesus looked at him, said, ‘You know the commandments.’
“‘I’ve kept all those since I was young,’ the young man said.” Timmy sat straight, cocked his head.
“‘Sell everything you have, give it to the poor, and follow me.’ And you know what?” Timmy shook his head. “He left. He couldn’t do it for he was very rich.”
“He was selfish?”
“No more than you or me, Timmy.”
“If I had a lot of money, I’d give to the Lord.” Timmy’s chest puffed.
“How much money do you have, Timmy?”
“I’m saving for a new bike. Remember? You said you’d meet me half way.”
“Why don’t you give half of it...”
“But Grandfather, it’ll take forever to save my share.” Timmy tilted his head. “Money was the young man’s favorite?” Grandfather smiled, nodded.
“It’s wrong to be rich or have toys?”
“No, Timmy. But we must be careful our love for things isn't more powerful than our love for the Lord. He gives us all things--to be shared with others. Then we're truly rich.”
Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus knows my heart and loves me anyway. He knows the things I value and put before Him and He's in the process of showing me what’s important in the Kingdom. He wants to do the same for you. He loves you and will never leave you. Won’t you come to Him?