Read
Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Matthew 19:21-22
Reflect
Money was a common theme for Jesus, probably because He knew how easily possessions could become a rival god. When you look around, it’s hard to argue with that. After all, do most people spend their time chasing after money, or chasing after God?
The young man in today’s story is a perfect example. He approached Jesus with the question of what good deed he could perform to gain entrance to heaven. Because he was rich and apparently successful, he may have expected Jesus to give him one more box to check, one more good deed to add to an already impressive life.
The problem was that Jesus saw deeper than the young man’s question. In addition to the standard of loving God and loving others, Jesus told him, “Sell your stuff and give the money to the poor.”
Before you get the idea that Jesus has a problem with people owning things, remember that Jesus said this because He knew this particular young man had put his money first in his life.
I’ve known multi-millionaires who spend boatloads of money on charities and on the church. They see their wealth as including the responsibility of giving back to God and blessing others. I’ve also known people with very little who still held tightly to every dollar, as if generosity were something only the wealthy could afford.
The amount of money you have doesn’t determine whether it prevents you from following God. The amount of God you have in you determines what you do with your money.
Be rich with God, and money will be no problem. Be stingy with God, and no matter whether you are rich or poor, your possessions will separate you from Him.
This week, pray about what God wants you to do with your time and money. Ask Him to show you where both can become tools for worship instead of things you keep guarded for yourself.
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Reflection copyright © 2026 Doug DeBolt.
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
