How difficult it is

 "How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."

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Luke 18:24b,25 ESV

Every time I read theses verses I am reminded of just how wealthy I really am and I ask myself is that wealth standing in the way of my work for the kingdom? Have you ever asked yourself the same question? Most of us don't think of ourselves as being all that wealthy, but in America most of us truly are, compared to the world around us. The problem is that we are still pursuing more wealth, a higher paying job, nicer home, better car and so on. On average most of us put more time into these pursuits than we do serving the Lord to our fullest.

In the verses preceding the two we are looking at, the rich ruler made a conscious decision to pursue his wealth rather than the kingdom. Jesus makes it clear that those that are wealthy have a hard time giving themselves to the kingdom work. (see verse 25) The reality is that it is impossible for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, which is why Jesus uses this example. He wants His audience to realize that choices have to be made if one wants to enter into the kingdom, hard choices.

Today ask yourself; what is it that I am pursuing? Is it what this world has to offer, or is it what Jesus has to offer? Either is not a trivial pursuit, both have their rewards one temporal, the other eternal. Which will you choose?

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman