Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—Protecting Your Valuables
Make a list of the five most valuable things in your life. Next, remove three on the list, which leaves you with only two of the things that you love and value. Now review your list. How many things on the list were people or tangible possessions?
In Luke chapter 18, Jesus tells us about the rich, young ruler. This young man accepted Jesus as the Messiah and was ready to follow Him. Yet, his readiness was from his perspective. As he prepared to meet with Jesus, imagine that he turned to look at his home, clothing, and wealth before opening the door to leave. Yes, overwhelming happiness and satisfaction filled his mind. With determination, he walked in haste to present himself to Jesus.
The Great Disappointment: “So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.'” (Luke 18:22)
1. We cannot serve God and love wealth.
2. We are unable to judge our true spiritual status.
3. God determines the conditions of our sacrifice.
God’s Promise: “So He said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.'” (Luke 18:29-30)
Jesus tells us that God is first! The most valuable thing we have is our relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ. No individual or tangible possession can supersede God. Even Jesus learned obedience when He came to earth as a human. Are you 100% certain that your priorities [valuables] are in alignment with God’s will?
We are disciples with a responsibility to witness every day. Share the Gospel of Jesus with those who will listen—”Jesus is our Savior who loves you. With confession and repentance of your sins, believe in Jesus and have a relationship with Him. Pray often, and ask for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Study the Bible every day. If faithful and obedient, He will give you eternal life.”
The Plan of Salvation is not complicated because little children understand, accept, love, and obey Jesus. When we do our part to tell others, the Holy Spirit will manifest His transforming power daily [this is Sanctification] in the person who accepted Jesus as their personal Savior.
Practical ways of showing the love of Jesus: Saying good morning with a smile can brighten someone’s day. Do we know of elderly persons who could use a home-cooked meal or help with house cleaning? Sharing our abundance to purchase food, water, and clothing for those in need is our life-long responsibility. Study Matthew 25:31-46.
“And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.” (1 John 2:25)
Pray and ask God to reveal the people or possessions that you are placing before Him. To receive eternal life, we live to Put God First!
Prayer: God, we ask you to reveal the obstacles that are preventing our relationship with Jesus from being number one in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Committed to Serve God and Others
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 