“One Thing Thou Lackest”
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Christ looked into the face of the young man, as if reading his
life and searching his character. He loved him, and He hungered to
give him that peace and grace and joy which would materially change
his character. “One thing thou lackest,” He said; “go thy way, sell
whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure
in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”
Christ was drawn to this young man. He knew him to be sincere
in his assertion, “All these things have I kept from my youth.” The
Redeemer longed to create in him that discernment which would enable
him to see the necessity of heart devotion and Christian goodness. He
longed to see in him a humble and contrite heart, conscious of the
supreme love to be given to God, and hiding its lack in the perfection
of Christ.
Jesus saw in this ruler just the help He needed if the young man
would become a colaborer with Him in the work of salvation. If he
would place himself under Christ’s guidance, he would be a power for
good. In a marked degree the ruler could have represented Christ; for
he possessed qualifications, which, if he were united with the Saviour,
would enable him to become a divine force among men. Christ, seeing
into his character, loved him. Love for Christ was awakening in the
ruler’s heart; for love begets love. Jesus longed to see him a co-worker
with Him. He longed to make him like Himself, a mirror in which
the likeness of God would be reflected. He longed to develop the
excellence of his character, and sanctify it to the Master’s use. If the
ruler had then given himself to Christ, he would have grown in the
atmosphere of His presence. If he had made this choice, how different
would have been his future!
“One thing thou lackest,” Jesus said. “If thou wilt be perfect, go
and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure
in heaven: and come and follow Me.” Christ read the ruler’s heart.
Only one thing he lacked, but that was a vital principle. He needed the
love of God in the soul. This lack, unless supplied, would prove fatal
to him; his whole nature would become corrupted. By indulgence,
selfishness would strengthen. That he might receive the love of God,
his supreme love of self must be surrendered.
Christ gave this man a test. He called upon him to choose between
the heavenly treasure and worldly greatness. The heavenly treasure
was assured him if he would follow Christ. But self must yield; his