Matthew 19:21-22 Jesus told him, “If you want to be PERFECT, go and SELL ALL your POSSESSIONS and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” ”But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.”
And Jesus is saying… ‘Give up the things that comfort you and follow me. Your train of thoughts, your ideas, your way of doing things, your knowledge, your wisdom, your understanding. The ways you’re hell-bent on following, that makes complete sense to you. Ways you’re comfortable with, how you handle situations and deal with things on your own! Give up the material things you treasure so dearly and is afraid to let go of! Walk away from your comfort zones and follow me. You hold on to, and use these as protection, but you don’t realize you could be shutting me out. I am what you need. I can replace fulfillment you’ve found in these idols. I know letting these go will make you feel completely naked and vulnerable and you know what, that’s where I want you so that I can come in and show you my power, my love, my ways and thoughts that are higher than yours. When you let go, you will be able to hear when I tell you remarkable secrets about things to come. Things that will blow your mind and give you an unfathomable peace. I’ll take you to places where you will be in awe of the kind of rest I’ll give your soul. The kind of joy I’ll fill your heart with and the kind of peace that will flood your mind. Trust me my love and step out of the boat that’s protecting you from sinking. Come and walk on water with me hand in hand. The view is beautiful from up here, will you share it with me?’
This afternoon this verse came to mind and as before, it saddened me a bit, that is until I had a better understanding. I used to be fearful of this verse. I was hesitant about a lot of things because I saw this as Jesus stripping me of everything I loved in a “bad” way. I thought I’d have to give up everything I had prior to becoming a Christian including a husband if I were already married but of course 1 Cor 7:12-17 took care of that. I also thought that if I had money I’d have to give it all up. I saw Christianity as “boring” and demanding. I’ll have to stop wearing this and doing that (funny the judgments we pass when we’re on the outside looking in.) Later in my faith, as I grew closer to Jesus, I realize I was being drawn/ lead to give up a lot of my ways, thoughts, ideas, understanding, attitudes… willingly and joyfully. They no longer served me. My eyes were being opened, and I was craving different things and having new and deep desires for spiritual growth and a healthier mindset. These were/ are beautiful! So, if I have things/ relationships that are no longer good FOR me, though sometimes hard, I happily give them up if it means I’ll be closer to my Savior as he knows what’s best and wants the best for me.
Paul encourages us to come as we are when we are called, whatever state we are in; rich, poor, mentally healthy or unstable, and I believe I’m starting to see why…slowly we are given new desires and are changed into someone our old self won’t even recognize, but will be grateful to be around! God says to put on our new nature and get rid of the old self. We are to be made new in Him- we are new creations in Him!
I think it is so cool to know that being His daughter, I get to be transformed into who He had in mind for me to be before things changed in the garden of Eden. I get to experience a life full of grace, mercy, joy, peace and unfailing-deep love. I get to wake up to days He planned just for me, and have His presence hovering over me! Aaah! Life is so much more beautiful with Him by my side.
Meditation: Matthew 19:21-22 Prov 3:5-6 Jeremiah 33:3
