Jesus has His way of cutting to the core of who we are. The man’s identity was wrapped up in his wealth, and he felt that his riches were ‘good enough’ to be okay. I used to think that being a good kid, nit being in trouble with the law, getting decent grades were ‘good enough’ to being a good Christian. It’s very easy to allow our identity to be infused with most any topic, whether a career or hobby. How is Jesus calling you and me out to examine our true identity?
“How should you and I measure success? Our culture emphasizes upward mobility and sufficient preparation for the future. We calculate success in terms of status, possessions and power. But when we contemplate ‘success’ in eternal values, according to the Beatitudes. how would we explain that achievement? I’m thinking that the sermon in the Mount is a foolish way to live, going against culture. His kingdom is inverse of what we normally think of as an effective Christian lifestyle. Hunger, thirst, mourning, poverty, and a pure mindset without duplicity are anything but successful American ideals. How can we avoid the narcissistic dream of being all self sufficient and independent? How can we demonstrate the compassion and empathy of a beloved child of the King?” - Excerpt, The Narrow Way by Rich Villodas
“Sadly, the man’s thinking was reinforced by a common belief of that time. Scholars refer to the belief as the law of divine retribution. The belief was that God rewards the righteous with health, wealth, long life, and a large family. The opposite holds true. God punishes the wicked with sickness, poverty, early death, and the loss of family. This popular belief taught the man that his wealth was the validation of his righteousness and goodness. His wealth was an essential part of his identity. He clung to that identity in spite of his inner sense that something was missing.” - Excerpt, Following Jesus: Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark by Steve Langford
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