How much does it cost?

Many of us will recall how exciting it was to receive pocket money. I would go straight to the corner store and ask the shop-keeper, 'How much does this cost?', 'How much does that cost?'. The Bible records a time when a young rich ruler came to Jesus and basically asked how much it cost to get into heaven. The young man asked Jesus, 'What must I do to inherit eternal life?'. Matt 19:16. This man was probably well-respected in society and considered to be an honest, morally-sound man, who obeyed the law and respected authority. In our society, we would no doubt say he was a 'good man'.

Jesus openly and honestly answered the young man's question about how he could inherit eternal life. He said there was 'one thing' this young man lacked if he wanted to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus challenged him to go and 'sell all' that he had and give the money to the poor. We go on to read that the young man went away grieved and sorrowful because he couldn't let go of his many possessions. Matt 19:22.

As Christians, it is not enough to simply be a 'good person'. There are many 'good people' in our society today who are just like the rich young ruler. They are well respected, morally sound, and ethical. We can probably all think of someone just like that. Or maybe this is you. The Scriptures are clear that being a 'good person' by our own standards is not enough to inherit eternal life. Jesus calls every believer in the same way He called that rich young ruler. He says, 'Sell all and follow Me' .

Let's consider the things that we hold too tightly. The Bible refers to these things as 'idols'. In today's language, we don't often use the term 'idol'. And yet they are still a real and sometimes very controlling part of our lives. Long ago, people would put their trust, confidence and security in idols made from gold, silver, wood and stone. Today, our idols are often power, possessions or financial security. The rich young ruler's idol was money.

There are not too many of us who will end up being politicians or world leaders like the rich young ruler. During these turbulent financial times, many people are learning how temporary their money and wealth can be. Nevertheless, we still grasp and hold many of these things tightly. If we took the time to think, we could probably all pin-point the 'one thing' that hinders, rules or controls us. For the rich young ruler, his 'one thing' ended up ruling him. It is good to consider our priorities and values from time to time. You may not even know who Jesus Christ is. But what is the 'one thing' that you might hold so closely and value so much that would stop you from following Jesus and inheriting salvation?

Shem Barnes

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Feature Articles
May 2009

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How much does it cost?

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