There are two stories in the Gospel of Mark that tell us how to belong to God. The first is from Mark 10:13-14 where people were bringing their children to Jesus. The disciples were trying to protect Jesus from the children pressing against him. But Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And Jesus took the children in his arms, and blessed them.
In the second story, Jesus was approached by a man who fell on his knees before Jesus and asked, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus, hearing of the man's obedience toward the commandments, loved the man, but knew of the man's love of money said, "One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." But the man went away with sadness, because he could not part with his great wealth.
In the study, we learn, "Adults are not as trusting as little children. To feel secure, all children need is a loving look and gentle touch from someone who cares. Complete intellectual understanding is not one of their requirements. They believe us if they trust us. Jesus said that people should believe in him with this kind of childlike faith. We should not have to understand all the mysteries of the universe; it should be enough to know that God loves us and provides forgiveness for our sin. This doesn't mean that we should be childish or immature, but we should trust God with a child's simplicity and receptivity.
"In regard to the young man, money represented his pride of accomplishment and self-effort. Ironically, his attitude made him unable to keep the first commandment, to let nothing be more important than God (Ex.20:3) He could not meet the one requirement Jesus gave--to turn his whole heart and life over to God. The man came to Jesus wondering what he could do; he left seeing what he was unable to do."
Not easy requirements for those who desire to be children of the Heavenly Father. We are childlike in many ways, but mostly have a hard time trusting anyone but ourselves. We learned the hard way, I think, that we must be careful whom we trust. We have to re-learn to trust God in any of His forms, and we must try and try again. How God must be pleased when we trust Him!
And about money!! The love..and trust.. of our money may be one of the hardest things to give up. But this isn't a question of, "How much do I give?" But of, "Which do I love and trust the most...God? Or my bank account?" This may take some wrestling, but there is always a way. God's way has worked the best for us. But it took some wrestling, that's for sure!
What does Jesus want from us? A glad heart, trusting and filled with adoration. And love for Him so strong that our money just isn't that big a deal anymore, but just enough to pay our bills-- ordinary, necessary bills from careful planning and not over-spending.
Signing off with a dollar sign, oops! No, signing off with a sign of love....Hugs!
JO inMN
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