7-29-2023 7:51pm

Strong spirits: one question - one thing

Photo: Markus Spiske

What is one thing you simply can't live without? Do you have such a thing? Jesus says that if it isn't God, you are in trouble!

A rich young man came to Jesus once and asked him what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. After some talk about the commandments, Jesus said this:

"One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Mark 10:21)

Money had become this man's god, his idol. Jesus called him on it in love, but the man went away sad. He couldn't let it go.

What about us? Is there anything in our life that is taking God's rightful first place? Money? Family? Pleasure? The problem isn't that we have these things, but that we put them first, where God needs to be.

Don't let the things of this world steal from you the abundant life God intends for you! Put God first!

Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.