Thrive Thought: Called as a Disciple—a Life Devoted to God

THRIVE THOUGHT
Called as a Disciple: A Life Devoted to God

Wealth and riches can hinder a person from entering into everlasting life, but that’s not the main point of the story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19.

“And someone came to Him and said, ‘Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?’ . . . And 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.’” Matthew 19:16, 21 (NASB 1995).

Christians recognize that eternal life cannot be earned through actions. Salvation is a gift of grace, and nothing we do can earn it.

In the Scripture, Jesus calls the rich young ruler to be his disciple. While wealth and riches can be obstacles to entering eternal life, the main issues are the young man’s self-reliance and lack of devotion to God. His possessions were the barrier to loving God. Jesus told the young man to give them up and make a genuine commitment to follow Him.

A disciple is a follower of Christ, declaring that their life’s path is determined by their master. At no point does a disciple choose their own way; their allegiance, commitment, and devotion are to Jesus.

Are you a disciple of Jesus? As you examine your life, where do you spend your time, mental, physical, and emotional energy, and resources? To whom is your life devoted?


Source: Christian Stewardship Network. (2020, September 17. "What was Jesus really asking the Rich Young Ruler?", CSN

Erica Smith lives with her husband, J.R., and children Jeremiah and Eva in Fort Wayne, IN. She has spent her career in the financial services industry and is actively involved with Pathway Community Church’s Thrive Ministry.