Opportunity

Question:

Does prosperity cause you to look more and more like Jesus, or less?

I am reminded of the account of the “rich young ruler,” who asked Jesus how he could inherit eternal life.  From digging deeper into the text in Luke 18, and the Greek meaning of the words, we know that the man was quite wealthy and was likely an official of some kind.  Jesus reminds him of the law and the 10 commandments in answer to his question.  He assures Jesus, “I’ve kept all of this from my youth.” Even though he had kept the law, maybe he had an inkling there was something more – a more radical obedience that was necessary in his life. 

Jesus says, “There is one thing you still lack.  Sell all you have and give to the poor.”  No moderation – no compromise – but calling on the man to give up everything. 

Did this man’s possessions have a hold on his heart in such a way that instead of allowing abundance to catalyze thankfulness in his heart, it actually separated him from God?   Did he fail to acknowledge God’s blessing in his daily life?  Did he perhaps ignore the needs all around him?  This account in scripture is brief, so we can only speculate on those things. 

But does Jesus call us to this same level of sacrifice and radical giving today?  Were those words just for that man, for his heart and his situation, or are they for all of us?

So many preach a prosperity gospel, a gospel that focuses on blessings rather than blessing others, a gospel that misses the point.

I have seen opposite attitudes through the years toward money and possessions, in those who are very well off.  Some are givers, always looking for opportunities to help, and some are “hoarders” seemingly becoming even more miserly and focused on material wealth. 

Compared to the rest of the world, probably most people reading these words are considered “rich.” In our Western world of “more than enough” each one must determine in his or her heart what to give, and what to give up. 

Big changes often begin with something small. 

Maybe a good place to start is asking, “How can I bless one person today?”

Look for opportunity, and in seeking you will find.