Rich

By Jane Thornton 

Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"

"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."

"Which ones?" the man inquired.

Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'"

"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?"

Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.  Matthew 19:16-30 (NIV)

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When I was in high school, I had a chocolate-brown, rayon jumpsuit, Young ones, that’s a one-piece garment with pants and top attached. In my case, sleeveless, with pockets on the chest and elastic at the waist. I wore it with a silky blouse—white with brown polka dots.

Strange as it sounds, I felt stylish in this outfit—a rare emotion for me. I loved that ensemble. It stroked my ego. People flattered me when I wore it.

Then I went to church.

I heard a lesson on the rich, young ruler and about giving firstfruits. I was convicted. I gave to the poor often. But I shared the clothes I had outgrown, those that were faded, or stained, or out-of-style.

I went home and fingered the smooth, rich fabric of my jumpsuit. I had to act while the conviction was fresh and strong. I bundled the article into the Good Will bag and gave it away. It hurt. Over the following months I missed it.

Jesus said, “It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” I anticipate the day when I give my favorite things freely, generously, and joyously without a pang of selfishness.

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