Seeking Things Above

The young man in Matthew 19:16-23 was sad. He asked Jesus what seemed like a noble question: “What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” When Jesus pointed to the commandments, the man seemed pleased: “All these things I have kept from my youth.”

Sensing that something was missing, he probed further, “What do I still lack?” Jesus responded, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

This answer was not what the man expected. He went away sorrowful because “he had great possessions” that meant more to him than anything else, even following Jesus or his eternal destiny (Matthew 19:16-23).

Many people are like this young man. Even after becoming Christians, we can set our mind “on things on the earth” and squeeze out the things of God.

Paul knew how much God wants to give us! The key to this abundance is to die to self and allow Jesus to be our life. The things of the earth may seem attractive, but God can give us a new life, not just improve the old one.

If Christ is our life, there is no need to worry. We are “hidden with Christ in God.” And, when Jesus appears, we “will appear with Him in glory” (v. 3-4).

Today, set your mind on the things above. Allow Jesus to change you.