“A ruler questioned Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” But Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments, ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said, “All these things I have kept since my youth.” Now when Jesus heard this, He said to him, “One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely wealthy. And Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God!” Those who heard Him said, “And so who can be saved?” But He said, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.” (Luke 18:18-27 NASB)
In the Wednesday night Bible Study class last week, one of three such weekly classes at our church, I was teaching on how “big people,” individuals with lots of possessions, lofty positions, and loads of other forms of riches; how they can still be still be “empty people.” After I went through a number of statements to justify that premise. One of the faithful members of the church said, “That should be one of the meditations.” It happened on a Wednesday, but it answered my question about what to write today, this Monday morning. So, here it is!
Big people can still be “empty people.” You can have status, envied by many, but still be part of the group categorized as “empty people.” You can have stuff, but be careful what you do with your stuff, because you can still be part of the “empty people.” You can be rich and have related affiliations with great organizations, but still have membership in the group named “empty people.” You can have the corner office in your company’s building, reserved for the “big people” in the organization, who have glass windows with spectacular views, but you can still be one of the “empty people.”
Now listen! You can have stuff, but what you do with your stuff will change for the better when you come to Jesus and when you focus on living like one of God’s children, as opposed to one of the “big people” who prioritize their possessions over the One who blesses us with “stuff” at any level. Yes, when Christ changes you, you will look at your stuff differently and without being told to do so. Consider Zaccheus actions in our closing verse. Have a great start to the week! Shine as one of the people of God and don’t be characterized as one of the “big people” who do not humble themselves and exalt God over all things. Be God-conscious this week my friend! Be blessed!
“But Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I am giving to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone, I am giving back four times as much.” (Luke 19:8 NASB)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King