Mark 10:21
“Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross.””
BEREAN.AI
Title: One Thing You Lack
Scripture: Mark 10:21
Jesus didn't flatter the rich young ruler. The man had kept the commandments since childhood. That was impressive. But Jesus loved him enough to tell him the hard truth: he still lacked one thing. The man's wealth had become his god. His money was his security, his identity, his hope. He couldn't let it go.
This passage hits us right where we live. We might not be wealthy by American standards, but we all have our idols. Maybe it's your retirement account. Maybe it's your house. Maybe it's your reputation or your children's success. Whatever you can't bear to lose, that's your functional savior. Jesus demands first place. Everything else must take second.
The disciples were shocked when Jesus said it's easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter God's kingdom. They understood something we forget: wealth deceives us. It whispers that we don't need God. It promises security it can't deliver. It makes us feel self-sufficient. That's why Jesus demands we dethrone it before we can follow him.
Notice Jesus didn't tell everyone to sell everything. He told this specific man because he knew what ruled his heart. Jesus might tell you to give up something entirely different. The question is: will you obey? Will you trust that what Christ offers is better than whatever you're clutching? The young man went away sorrowful. He chose his treasure over the Treasure.
The same choice faces us daily. Following Christ means dethroning every rival. It means recognizing that even good things become idols when we love them too much. Your money, your dreams, your relationships, your comfort. None can have the throne that belongs to Christ alone. He must be preeminent. Everything else must be expendable.
Prayer: Lord, show us what we lack. Reveal the idols we've hidden even from ourselves. Give us grace to choose you over everything else, knowing that what you offer is worth any cost. Amen.
