Deuteronomy 13-15; Mark 10:1-31
One of the biggest struggles for us as a culture is the need for stuff. We always want more or the next best thing we can get. Savvy electronics, fun toys, a bigger camper, a bigger house, nicer car, etc. It's hard to walk in this world and not get bombarded by the media and it telling us what we need. Because everyone falls into the trap, you too, may find yourself in the trap with them. None of these things are bad. I like my toys and smart electronics as much as the next person. However, we can't allow those things to take the place of our zeal for Christ in our hearts. Check your heart this morning and make sure that you not only know your need for Christ, but you know your level of want for Him.
The Israelites are warned over and over again throughout Moses' final words to be careful of not allowing other gods to rule in their hearts. This may sound like something of the "older times" to you, but other gods can be more than a spirit or sculpture. They can be the way we long for certain things more than we long for God. A video game. The newest iPhone. An achievement you're working towards. A Pinterest-beautiful house. A person. The idea of your future and daydreaming constantly about it. If you aren't careful, these things can completely take over your mind and cause you to not even acknowledge Christ in the center of your life. We read about these gods of that time that God warned the people about. He wanted them to have nothing to do with them. In fact, they were to burn that land to the ground. How serious are you about getting rid of something that comes before God in your life?
The flip side of this, is to give to God. Rather than obsessing about your Pinterest-beautiful home, obsess about how God would want you to open your home. Rather than obsessing about that achievement you so desperately want to earn, give God your morning, then go work on it, pray over it, and give God the glory no matter the outcome. Rather than always being on your iPhone, use your iPhone to study scripture and connect with someone that needs to know Christ through it's ridiculous features. God tells the people to bring their tithes to Him before anything else. Do you give your money to yourself, or do you give God the FIRST of it? Trust Him. Allow Him to use those desires of your heart or to get rid of them if they don't align with His plan for you.
One thing mentioned in Deuteronomy 15 is that there should be no poor among the people. Could you imagine if there were no poor in your community? If we all give a little and take care of one another regardless of what we believe about poor people, the world would be a better place. We tend to jump to conclusions about the poor - like they got themselves there, or they don't deserve what you have earned, etc. We aren't called to judge though; we are called to love. Don't bother asking questions if you have the opportunity to be a light to those in need instead. Your grace towards them will be a beautiful picture of God's grace. We need to let go of this world's perception of "you deserve it all", and the entitlement of keeping what is ours. Give and give freely, to God and to others.
Jesus states something a little scary in Mark 10. "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God." Talk about a statement. What Jesus is getting at here however, is that you can't love money more than Him. The rich ruler loved his stuff. He had a lot of it and he didn't want to part with it or his money. If you look at all you have, including your material possessions, your money, even your family, your friends, etc., would you still love God if those things went away? This is the foundation of your heart. If you can't picture life without something or someone and still love God and trust in Him, you have a heart issue. It is a tough pill to swallow and even one that you may believe is a cruel one, but it is where your loyalties truly lie. It's hard to lose someone, or a lose a huge sum of money, but ultimately our hearts belong to God. Those things and those people He has given us also belong to Him.
What does your heart long for? Are you in a struggle between what you want and what God wants for you? Do you trust Him enough to be able to look at all of your stuff and the people in your life and truly say "yes, Lord. Those things, those people are Yours." If you were to lose everything, would you still love God? The world says we need more and greater. God says we need Him and less. You may tell God you need Him, but He wants to know that you actually want Him too. Consider this concept today and take inventory of your heart's desires, longings, and spiritual health.
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