“But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions (Matthew 19:22 NLT).

The problem for this young man was not that he possessed possessions, but that his possessions possessed him. Jesus is a good shepherd that calls us to follow Him. We simply will not heed His call if we’re being driven by desires greater than our desire to follow Him. Salvation is free, but until we’re free from other masters we will not serve or love the Master that freely offers the gift of salvation. 

This is the challenge of the Christian life: does Jesus alone possess our hearts? How many times have we compromised our loyalty to Jesus to gain or keep a relationship, get a promotion, win people’s approval, or obtain more stuff? When Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow Him, He’s calling us to freedom from the rule of masters that would destroy us. 

The question is, “Will we follow Him?” Or, will we turn away sad, because our hearts are possessed by our possessions?

© Paul R Downing