Basic HTML Version
314
Humble Hero
He wanted the heavenly treasure, but he also wanted the advantages
his riches would bring. He desired eternal life, but the sacrifice
seemed too great, and he went away sorrowful, “for he had great
possessions.”
His claim that he had kept the law of God was a deception. He
showed that riches were his idol. He loved the gifts of God more
than he loved the Giver. Christ had offered the young man fellowship
with Himself. “Follow Me,” He said. But the Savior was not as
valuable to him as his own name in society or his possessions. To
give up the seen for the unseen was too great a risk. He refused
the offer of eternal life and went away. Ever after the world would
receive his worship. Thousands pass through this ordeal, weighing
Christ against the world, and many choose the world.
Christ’s dealing with the young man contains lessons for us all.
God has given us the rule of conduct that His servants must follow.
It is obedience to His law—not merely a legal obedience, but an
obedience that enters into the life and shows in the character. Only
those who will say, “Lord, all I have and all I am is Yours,” will God
acknowledge as His sons and daughters. Think of what it means to
say No to Christ. The Savior offers to share with us the work that
God has given us to do. Only in this way can He save us.
[241]
God entrusts us with money, talents, and opportunities, that we
may be His agents in helping the poor and the suffering. Those who
use their entrusted gifts as God designs become co-workers with the
Savior.
To those like the young ruler who are in high positions and
have great possessions, it may seem too great a sacrifice to give up
all in order to follow Christ. But God can accept nothing short of
obedience. Self-surrender is the essence of Christ’s teachings. There
is no other way to save us than to cut away those things which, if
we cling to them, will demoralize the whole being.
When Christ’s followers give back to the Lord His own, they
are accumulating treasure that they will receive when they hear the
words, “Well done, good and faithful servant. ... Enter into the joy
of your lord.”
Matthew 25:23
. The joy of seeing people eternally
saved is the reward of all who put their feet in the footprints of Him
who said, “Follow Me.”
[242]