A CHRISTIANITY YOU CAN'T FAKE
- Key Verse
Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property. (Matthew 19:21-22)
READ THE PASSAGE
Central Truth
If we think that we can impress God with our wealth or works as a basis for getting into heaven, we are wrong! We must put our trust in Christ and find our security in Him.
Reflections
So many times I misunderstand the magnitude of God's love.
Similar to the elder brother in the parable of the lost son (Luke 15), I often focus my relationship with God on work. I think that if I do all the right things, God will love me more. With that mindset, I become the "ideal" Christian.
"I have it all together," I assure myself, as I frown upon those who don't. As Jesus begins to disappear from my life, and I lose all sense of dependency on His love, I begin to realize my attitude may be misguided and less than ideal.
A man who had it all together met his match when he questioned Jesus on how to receive eternal life. He had obeyed the commandments and was known as a righteous guy who had all the answers. Yet, when he was told to sell all he had and follow Jesus with nothing but faith, he went away sad because his heart belonged to his wealth, position, and security. And not to Christ.
This man felt secure in himself because he was clothed in recognition and superior status. He left feeling defeated because he knew his sense of security and dependency was on everything but Jesus. He knew he couldn’t follow Jesus fully because he still wanted to be in control of his life. He was unwilling to sell his security for salvation.
When you serve another master, you can’t expect to receive fully the contentment and joy you receive from serving God. Jesus doesn’t just want us to follow a set of rules; He wants our hearts.
Being all in means following Christ even when it is uncomfortable. God does not want us to follow Him just when it is convenient. The true test of faith is following Him when it is a threat to our security, status, or even our life.
Are you willing to give Jesus everything? Or are you satisfied with serving Him leftovers? The risk is great, but the reward is even greater.
Discussion Questions
1. What sacrifices have you made to follow Jesus? Is following God a risk for you at all?2. Have you judged others, thinking they were two-faced and not representing Christ well? What action have you taken recently that misrepresented Christ?
3. Read Isaiah 64:6. How many times have you tried to have God or others notice your good deeds?
4. What has God taught you and shown you about His holiness in comparison to your sinfulness this week?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. How did Jesus feel about children? Did He spend time with them?
2. How can you make time to spend with Jesus today?
mllye Hale
March 11, 2010 06:33 AM
Graham, Thanks for sharing your wisdom with me this morning. I am so encouraged to see our young people following hard after Christ. Sallye has been so blessed by your friendship. You are an incredible young man. Keep your eyes on Him!
Rick Walls
March 11, 2010 06:46 AM
Excellent job Graham!!!! If you aren't familiar with the book, I might recommend "The Sacred Romance" by Brent Curtis and John Eldridge.
Lucina Thompson
March 11, 2010 06:54 AM
I was greatly challenged by your statement on the rich young ruler, "he was unwilling to sell his security for his salvation." I desire to be willing to do whatever God is asking me too, but at times, it is a struggle. Thanks Graham for your transparency and for reminding me to never lose sight of who I am--a sinner saved by grace.
Jeramon Rose
March 11, 2010 06:55 AM
Graham you did a great job this morning. I'm one of those people who doesn't follow God with my heart I try to please him by my works and deeds.Each day I'm getting better but this is a good reminder thanks.
Charlie Shelby
March 11, 2010 09:36 AM
Graham, great devo this morning! A great reminder that as believers we have the gift of salvation and life is no longer about us, our status, our wealth, but instead our willingness to surrender our hearts and be used by the Lord to accomplish great and mighty things. What a priviledge it has been to see you grow as a young man, but most importantly, in your desire to follow the Lord strong and hard. You make a Dad proud!
Eric Colton
March 11, 2010 09:42 AM
Thank you Graham...
Jeremy Jaqua
March 11, 2010 09:58 AM
GRAHAM!! Awesome job man! It has been so great getting to watch you grow as a follower of our King and as a young man. To see you wrestle with the Scriptures in a real way is humbling and something that was nowhere near a reality for me at your age. I'm humbled by the blessing of getting to lead you. Proud of you!
Alicia Dean
March 11, 2010 10:46 AM
Thanks, Graham! Love this!
Dave Delph
March 11, 2010 10:46 AM
Awesome job, Graham! Thanks for sharing your heart and the truth of our desperate need to daily trust in Him. We missed you on the Amazon this year. What a blessing it's been to watch you grow in your faith over the years. Be encouraged and challenged to lead well...wherever God calls you next. Proud of you.
Scott Coy
March 11, 2010 11:14 AM
Good job young Graham! The rich young ruler can bring out the best and worst of all who read this story. You did us all a favor in reminding us what Christ wants from us--a yielded heart of a child. Way to go Graham. Scott
dinky smith
March 11, 2010 11:15 AM
Graham, it is so wonderful to be "taught" by my former student! What a wonderful devo. I love you! Mrs. Smith ( I am sharing this with my 6th grade classes! What an encouragemnt)
Annette Anthony
March 11, 2010 12:02 PM
Thanks Graham for the reminder that we so often find our security in our position in the world and completely miss the mark. The Lord will use you to do great and mighty things. Annette
paul rutherford
March 11, 2010 03:07 PM
Graham, thanks for the insight. Which do I want more, security, or God? It's a very compelling question, and often convicting.
Blaine Hale
March 11, 2010 04:16 PM
Graham, Great job on today's scripture. Your statement hit home that a true test of faith is following Jesus even when there is a threat to your security, status or even your life. Good work.
Allison Koons
March 12, 2010 09:46 AM
Really encouraged by your words, Graham. While reading the passage, it was interesting to me that the disciples were about another agenda, causing them to be stumbling blocks to the children. I think the disciples believed they were doing the right thing (probably natural due to their culture). And, Christ helped them unlearn what they thought they understood. He saw the disciples need to address in their own hearts what would need to be addressed in the hearts of those around them. Thanks for being open with what He has addressed in yours! That will always bless those around you.