freedom from myself

The Rich and the Kingdom of God
Matthew 19:21-23 NIV

"Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” 
Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”
“Which ones?” he inquired.

Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 

"When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth." Ouch...although I am very familiar with this account of Jesus and the rich young man, the impact of what Jesus is really saying has recently hit very close to home for me. All too often I have found myself thinking and behaving just as the young rich man did...so bound to my 'wealth', the things I place too high of a value on, instead of living freely to follow the One who is ALL I need.


The process of sorting through our belongings has been challenging for me. Torre is definitely better at tossing almost anything he feels is taking up unnecessary space, but I, on the other hand, have kept everything and anything that relates to a special occasion, moment, vacation, childhood favorite...you name it, I've probably got it. No, it may not be a bad thing that I like keepsakes, but when those keep sakes and memories take over a piece of your heart that was intended for Jesus, when the thought of giving a Snoopy Shaved Ice maker away brings you to tears because you loved it so much as a child, there's a problem!!! It's a problem for me anyways. God has been teaching me to let go of all kinds of things and showing me that nothing of importance and value is actually lost when I let go of my earthly possessions to follow him, because so much more is gained!!! I want to be free to go when Jesus asks me to. The freedom we are finding through this process of sorting, trashing, selling and giving away is so amazing and it's extremely exciting to see how God is continually aligning our lives with his heart. 


Father, I choose you. I want my hands and heart to be free from clutter and distraction so that I am free to JOYFULLY follow you wherever you lead!