"One Thing You Lack"

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell to his knees before him. "Good teacher", he asked, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"

“Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good-except God alone. You know the commandments: 'You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.'"

"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." Jesus look at him and loved him.

"One thing you lack," he said. "Go, see everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. The come, follow me." At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Mark 10:18-22

I think this passage should frustrate us as followers of Jesus more than it does. We have a hard time admitting that this story envelopes our current standing with God. I am moved to feel sympathy for the guy overlooking the very possibility that this fellow could quite possibly be me. Check his portfolio. He probably saves his money, holds a decent pedigree with honors, is accomplishing his goals, says all of the right things, impresses his entire family and those in his community and makes it to church every Sunday. Sound familiar? When his college fraternity brothers were choosing less than dignified lifestyle choices, this student chose to stay back and keep life clean. No doubt, our young friend spends his weekends at the local homeless shelter, writing checks to good causes, or quietly reflecting options for making his mark on a broken society.

Yet, he still lacks someTHING? Is this thought scratching an itch? What does Jesus expect from him? What does the rich young ruler expect from Jesus? He knows he lacks something. He is interested in eternal life but does he really understand the concept?

Jesus looks at him and loves this man just as he needs to be loved. He pushes back on perceived excellence and highlights the man's emptiness and offers a life outside of anything he can imagine for himself. Jesus' challenge is towards a higher vision for his life. What does this man lack?

Answer: The indwelling presence of the Kingdom of God in and through his life. Jesus is saying...“Let me be your fullness. Let me be your everything. Let me be the center of your universe. Let me be your focus.” The Rich Young Ruler has filled his life so full that there is no room for what IS most important. He is lacking space for Jesus.

I wonder how real this picture is for us as ministry leaders? Are we lacking this one thing that Jesus spoke of? Are we focused on the accolades of man over God’s pleasing presence in our lives? Before we dismiss this idea and transfer it to a friend or colleague, are we willing to first investigate our own hearts?

Prayer: "May my life be like a love song to you and may the eternal life you offer provide the only satisfaction I need. God create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit in me. You can have all of me."