Today's question is, ‘What really matters in life?’ The rich young man has come to Jesus to seek the wisdom to answer this question. Wealth has given him status, power, and privilege, and he clings to them. So, it controls him at this time, and he sadly turns away from Jesus. We do not know whether he had a change of heart later and chose to put God fully into his heart and all his day's
ordinary activities.
This is the wisdom that Solomon requests. The Psalmist says, “To count our days, and so gain a heart of wisdom”. The wisdom is that we bring God into everything in our lives – God is not only for Sundays.
It is not that wealth is bad, but whether it controls your life. Jesus calls the rich man to share it with those in need. Wealth controls him and
so many in their sense of power, entitlement, self-interest and pride. There is never enough, so the hoarding and clinging continue. The disciples are astonished that Jesus says it is hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom.
Jesus calls us to surrender our wealth and to share what we have; teach when we learn; offer compassion when we have a loving heart; listen to the stories of others when we have good listening skills; share
reassurance when we are gentle and kind; share our building, fixing, healing skills, and share our plenty of possessions, money and privilege. God will expand all of this in our earthly lives and beyond “because, for God, everything is possible.”
What matters in life?
What is my wealth?
How will I share something of my wealth today?
What will I graciously receive from another’s wealth or wisdom?
Do I realise that God wants to be the centre of my life so that I may have the fullness of life?
“Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.” Augustine of Hippo.
Reflections by Kath Knowles
