Do We Want Treasure Here and Now or Treasure in Heaven?

A rich man came running to Jesus and kneeling in front of him asked him, "What must I do to inherit eternal life." He shared how he had followed all the rules--so surely he would be accepted.

Is it not each believer's desire to enter into the Kingdom of God and be accepted. We want to hear those words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

How many of us will say the same thing as this man--I follow all the rules...am I in? And just like this man, Jesus is looking at you with genuine love because he wants you. He wants your heart. What is possessing your heart?

For the rich man it was things--possessions? Is it work? Is it people? Is it status? Is is success? Is it money? Is it having the perfect family? and the perfect life? Is it comfort?

Even Jesus admits, "Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God." And his disciples were astounded and responded, "Then who in the world can be saved?"

Rules can't save you. They can show you where there is sin in your life, but no human effort will give you access to the Kingdom of God. Only by God's grace are we saved and have access to His Kingdom. So what is our part? It's choosing to let go of the other things w that captivate us and cause us to fix our eyes on other things besides Jesus. For Jesus is the true treasure!

I am also surprised by the promise Jesus gave in response to Peter who states that he's chosen to give up everything to follow Jesus.

"I assure you that everyone who has given up these...house, family, children, and property for my sake and for the Good News, will receive NOW in return a hundred times as many. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life."

What are we waiting for? Will we choose to hold onto what we have, or truly allow God to have what holds our attention letting go of what holds us back from truly living in the Kingdom of God and allowing his grace to change us and save us? Don' forfeit the life he has for you here and now and don't forfeit the eternal life he has awaiting you!

Scripture from Mark 10:17:31 NLT