THE INWARD LIFE OF A STEWARD
Viewing and Handling Possessions
If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.
Jesus encountered a rich, young ruler who was seeking eternal life. In Matthew 19:21, Jesus gives him his final directive by saying, If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me (NIV). Notice, Jesus did not ask the young man to give up his possessions forever; He simply told him to send them on ahead, to enjoy later — you will have treasure in heaven. Jesus makes it clear that we need to focus on spiritual matters right now, and the burden of managing your wealth can get in the way of this. Unfortunately, the ruler was unwilling to send his assets on ahead. As a result, he missed an opportunity to walk with Jesus. Has that ever happened to you? Think about it.