Before we panic about owning any possessions at all, let’s look first at what Jesus did not say. He did not say that rich people couldn’t be saved. Just because we have possessions does not mean we all need to immediately toss them to the nearest charity organization and sell our houses. God also blesses us with comforts here on earth, and we should enjoy them and be thankful for them. Jesus said it is difficult for rich people to get into Heaven. It’s difficult because so many wealthy people put their security in their stuff and their dependence on dollars. And it’s hard to tear away from that sense of physical security, even though we know it’s tenuous at best (we never know what’ll happen that might take it away). In addition, rich people have so many earthly possessions and comforts that many of them are blinded to their need for God. It is far easier for those of us who are poor or in need to be totally dependent on God for everything, to genuinely trust in Him to meet those needs. But none of us can afford to let life’s blessings keep us from trusting in and seeing our real need for God.

Consider these questions as you reflect on today’s reading:

How can we continue to see our need for Jesus in a world full of plenty?

In what ways do you need to refocus on what money can’t buy?

What does Jesus mean when He says, “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it.”?