What Do You Lack?

Read Matthew 19:16-26

Most of you might know the story of the rich young man who came to Jesus seeking answers. He'd kept the Law of Moses all his life, but following the rules hadn't satisfied him. He was quite intelligent really. He knew something was missing from his life, and he knew who to go to for the answers.

The young man said to him, All these things I have kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? (Matthew 19:20).

When the man asked what things he needed to do to have eternal life, Jesus recounted the Ten Commandments, which the Jews were supposed to live by and Jesus said he came to fulfill. However, this young man knew he needed something else; he just didn't know what. He says he has followed those tenets since a child and asked what he still lacked.

Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions (Matthew 19:22-23).

What the man lacked was a complete commitment to God. He had outwardly followed the basic requirements, but he had never surrendered all. He put his possessions and wealthy lifestyle above the Lord he professed to follow, and he didn't want to give those things up. Most Christians are too much like him. They seek earthly treasures far more than they seek heavenly ones. They go through the motions, serve when it's convenient, and hope that's enough to get them into heaven. They are lacking. 

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you (James 4:8a).

Are you also lacking? Search your heart. You'll know if something is missing from your spiritual life. The good news is that it's never too late to change. Recommit your life to God. Put Him above everything else. The Holy Spirit will be overjoyed to guide you, and Jesus will welcome you with open arms. Live the life that God intended for you! It offers great joy and peace.

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