Who is the "Rich Young Ruler?"

This message has been weighing on my heart for some time. When I read the account of the rich young ruler, every time I am reminded, not only of myself, but of America. It's found in Luke 18:18-30

A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" America, a ruler amongst the world's nations, still, as a majority, looks to Christianity/Jesus for salvation. 

Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good-except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'" The message of the Bible is as true today as it was when it was written. We must obey its teachings in order to inherit eternal life.

"All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.  America, throughout history, has done much that is good and has kept the Lord's commands in many instances. She is still a symbol of hope and freedom for many millions in the world. 

When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." This is where the difficulty for me and the American Church lies. Many of us, when we read this, instantly feel uncomfortable. What is God saying? Are we to actually sell everything we have and give to the poor? That is a hard question because we are a nation with so much stuff! According to World Bank figures, America is one of the richest countries in the world. Now, we are a country who gives much to charity (see http://www.aei.org/publication/a-nation-of-givers/) but this only accounts for 3-4%, on average, of the yearly income of Americans. Thus, this is the question that each of us needs to ask...are we giving to the Lord all that He would ask of us? Are we storing up treasures on earth, with the money He has blessed us, or are we storing up treasures in Heaven? To put this in perspective...I read that Americans spend more money on cosmetics, annually, than they do on mission outreach. Are our priorities right, as a nation and as individuals? And for those of you who know me, you may be thinking..."what a hypocrite." Yes, we as a family are very well off and have accumulated a lot of possessions. I struggle with this reality daily. How to be obedient to God and not be the rich ruler. I don't have the answer to that. All I know is that it burdens my heart and causes me to seek after the Lord.

When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. Do we become sad at the thought of selling our possessions and giving that money for the furtherance of the Gospel? I believe our feelings about this reveal our inner beliefs on money in general. Is it God's money that He is allowing us to have for His purposes or is it our money? How each of us views this often determines our willingness to give generously. 

Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."Jesus never said it was impossible but He did say it was hard. And the worldwide facts bare this out. In other nations, the segments of the population which come to Christ more quickly are the poor and destitute. They have no great possessions to keep them tied to this world. They seem to be much more eager and willing to hear the Good News of Jesus, who promises them hope and peace in a difficult world.  But those who are rich tend to put their hope and security in their possessions, making it more difficult to appreciate and accept the wonderful gift of salvation that the Lord offers them. 

Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." Here is the key...in our human nature it is almost impossible for us to imagine selling all our possessions, giving the money to the poor and following Him wherever He leads. But, if we are truly seeking after Christ, He is able and will give us the strength we need to do ALL that He has asked us to do.  Jesus ends this discussion with an incredible promise:

"I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life." I believe it is so important for each of us to ask God what He would have us do and then to be obedient. The Bible is very clear that we are not to horde worldly possessions, building up our treasure on earth, but to give generously. May we give all that God asks of us, whether it be money, time or our very lives and believe that He is more than enough to satisfy and bring us joy and peace.