Correcting your needs ~ Mike MacIntosh

Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Mark 10:21-22

Are you worried about your finances? Has the current economic crisis put fear into your heart? If so, take comfort in what Jesus is saying to this rich young ruler. You see, Jesus is trying to tell the young man that having an abundance of possessions and financial security is not what brings happiness and joy into one's life. Likewise, when there isn't the financial security you'd like to have, there is no reason for sorrow, anger, or bitterness. These emotions are sinful. You see, we need to rely on Jesus Christ in all things, whether in tough financial times or in times of over-abundance. Look at what Paul says in Philippians:

"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:11-13).

What Paul understood--and the rich young ruler didn't--was that Jesus Christ is the only thing that matters in this life. All of the possessions of the world won't bring the joy, contentment, happiness, or peace that you are looking for. Notice that the rich young ruler kept the commandments listed: Do not commit adultery; Do not murder; Do not steal; Do not bear false witness; Do not defraud; Honor your father and your mother. But he was missing the single-most important commandment. Look at what Jesus says later in this Gospel of Mark:

"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:30-31).

Ultimately the one thing that this rich young man lacked was Jesus! So, don't let the current economic or political storms take you away from your first love. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of your faith. Be content in all things and let Him work out every circumstance. Trust in Him with your life and with your needs.