Our family of eight just returned from a 3-month road trip out West. (The handiwork of the Lord declares His glory!) Of course, in order to drive out, we had to limit our belongings to what could fit in or on top of the minivan. Just the essentials.
What are the essentials? We learned we could live on a lot less and in a much smaller space when it comes to physical stuff. So, why do I store up so many earthly treasures? Are my possessions serving me or am I serving them?
Matthew 6:19-21 says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
So, my heart is in my house? I think it just might be.
In Hebrews 12:1-2a, it states, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
Am I being hindered? I think I am.
So, if I empty this vessel, what are the essentials or big rocks that need to be a part of my Christian life? Love God, Love people, and Make disciples of all nations. The Perspectives missions course placed the burden of the lost upon my heart: there are billions of people that have never even heard the name of Jesus!
Is that how I live my life? Are my eyes fixed on Jesus or my next adventure? Are the idols of self-sufficiency, comfort, and my home and kingdom entangling me?
I’ve been meditating on the invitation to the rich young ruler to come and follow Jesus. His response: “He went away sad because He had great wealth.” (Mark 10:22). [Thank God that in His mercy He continues to pursue us and invites us to follow Him, despite our selfish ways. See Mark 10:17-31 to see Jesus’ compassionate call and His “impossible” work.]
What will I do with this invitation? Will I empty this vessel, my life, and fill it with what pleases the Lord who loves me and gave His life for me? Not out of guilt or obligation, but because I am loved and set free? Or, will I go back to my comfortable home, sit in the desk chair that faces the window, and just enjoy the heaven-declaring view?
Let us step out in faith and run unhindered after Jesus–the way of self-denying love, that we may “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8)!