The Hardest Lesson Learned

With three boys under four years of age in my house, one can only imagine all the stuff, especially toys, we've accumulated. There are days I feel like I'm wading, lost in a sea of toys afraid if I take one wrong step I'll land face up thanks to some random toy with wheels. Recently, with Christmas approaching, I told our oldest son that we needed to go through all of the toys and get rid of the ones that are not played with. His face darkened and tears came to his eyes. He explained how the toys were his and how he'd play with them and that he didn't want to give any away. Gently running my hands through his red hair, I sympathized with him and told him that in order to receive any new toys for Christmas he must be willing to get rid of some of the old ones. His whole attitude and appearance changed as he realized that something better was in store.

This made me think about the story of the Rich Young Ruler. Here you had a young man who wanted to follow Christ. He was obedient to the law, making sure he was near faultless in light of it's requirements. He even asked Jesus,

“Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”

I can see this young man's face as he listens intently to Christ's reply. His whole countenance must have fallen. Realizing that it isn't a deed that he must do but a lifestyle he must live crushed his plans. He wasn't ready to

go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Scripture tells us he went away sad. Watching my young son's response to my "command" to get rid of the clutter, I imagine sad was just the first of a flood of emotions that young man felt. So why is this such a hard lesson to learn. Not because Christ's command was hard to follow but because Christ's command called for him to lay down, completely, that which was of utmost importance and value to the young man. To destroy his own self importance and put others ahead of himself.

So, here I am. I've been injected into the middle of this story as we speak (more like as I type). What is of value to me...comfort, financial stability, self-sufficiency, following on my terms. My whole apple cart has been overturned. I realized after a personally disaster-filled day that I've been living a defeated life. The young man mentioned in Matthew 19:16-30 chose defeat over release. I'm learning that life isn't about having what I want or what I think I need, but trusting Christ to provide. His Word tells me,

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.

“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. (Isaiah 55:8 NLT)

Why should I worry? Christ himself said,

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, (Matthew 6:28 NLT)

Following Christ cannot be on my terms. I must learn that quenching the Spirit is not an option. To follow Christ means that today (well, technically last night) what I deemed valuable I must lose sight of in order for Christ to be of utmost value and importance in my life. I'm willing to lose everything and gain nothing except for Christ. Because I am truly beginning to realize that

our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! (2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT)

This is the hardest lesson for me to learn. Are you "doing good" in order to go to heaven? What stands in your way of Christ being the single most important person/thing in your life?