Jesus said to him, ‘If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’
Mt.19:21
The rich young man has everything. He is rich and young, things the world values. But he senses there is more that he lacks. There is, and to gain it he must give everything away.
As usual this story throws a light on me. What is the "wealth" that I find hard to give away? Wealth is not just money. Tolstoy gave everything away to the poor but it ruined his relationship with his family. Was that what was really required of him?
There's no easy answer to this. Weasel words come up when I try to justify my position of holding on to my "wealth". I guess it's the old question of, "Where is my heart?" If it's not in heavenly things then it's probably a hindrance to me becoming perfect as Jesus understands the word.
Maybe if I just focus one day at a time on following Jesus. Then each step makes me a little more perfect than I was yesterday.
Jesus, help me today to be a little more perfect as I follow you.
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