Mark 10:21-23

²¹ And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” ²² Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. ²³ And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”

                As a follower of Jesus there is a decision to be made. Do we seek earthly rewards and pleasure or the abundance that awaits in heaven? This question pertains to many things: 1) possessions, 2) status, 3) recognition, 4) affection, 5) acceptance, 6) control and 7) longevity. This list is limited but should suffice in awakening the senses to the other ways people seek this world over eternity in paradise.

Possessions/Wealth

In order to build up great wealth it must become a focus in your life. When so much attention is being paid to earthly possessions there is little left for the heavenly wealth you are meant to build up in the service of God. When you’ve set your eyes on the creation of man you cannot focus on the one who created everything. Following in the steps of Christ requires believers to become selfless and to take care of the less fortunate with the blessings God has given. We are meant to share the blessings of God with others so that they can see the provision of God, especially those that go beyond monetary gain. Giving back is a form of worship. Praise God for His blessings to you by helping those lost in the dark. (Ecclesiastes 5:10) He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.