My Treasure in Heaven
ICS Daily Devotions
Mark 10:21-24 (NKJV) Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!
This rich young ruler personifies what many people aspire to be. He was influential and had great possessions. However, he has put his security in the possessions that he had. He trusted in his possessions, and chose his possessions rather than God and salvation. Because he could only see the now, he forwent the promise of treasure in heaven. This is an important reminder for all of us not to build our identity on our corporate status or our possessions. It is a more secure position when we have our identity in Christ.
Everyone wants to be successful especially when we are immersed in this financial hub of Shanghai, where we can see the display of wealth and prosperity all around us. In fact, there is a spirit in the city that drives everyone towards success and money. Many parents are gearing their children up for a good career by sending them to the best academic institutions, but very often, we have exposed them to very liberal world views without much emphasis on the Christian world view. We may have placed them in certain schools because of their track records of academic excellence, and we ensure that our children have adequate extra curriculum activities to help them get into top universities, but many have neglected the need to model their walks with God to their children. Maybe these parents don’t even have a walk with God themselves which is why the God part was of little importance to them, and many parents are so busy that they don’t have much time to speak into the lives of their children. As a result, their children have been influenced by liberalism, and they may end up putting their identity in their corporate or business achievements when they grow up. So if we are not careful, we may end up raising someone who has high aspirations and ambitions, but has no relationship with God or good biblical values.
Therefore we need to educate our children and model for them what it looks like to be successful through God’s way and lay treasure in heaven. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to do so once their minds have been moulded by the world.
Sermon Series: Seriously?
