Key Text: Mark 10:21 KJV - Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up thy cross, and follow me.

The rich young ruler was a good man who observed the ten commandments from his youth, but it is sad to discover that he was not good enough for heaven. He was disqualified, because according to Jesus, he lacked one thing: he had no power over his material possessions. He failed the test of denying himself, taking up his cross and following the Lord. Although he was a good man, he was not saved.

In life many things compete for our attention as we strive to look unto Jesus. Like Martha and the rich young ruler, we are careful and troubled about many things instead of choosing that one needful thing: following Jesus. What will qualify you for heaven is not how many of the ten commandments that you're able to keep but your ability to follow Jesus till the end.

A man's life does not depend on the abundance of his possession - Luke 12:15. Beloved, you must never allow yourself to be brought under the power of things. The things of this life should be held with loose hands, and you should be ready to let go and let God rule in the affairs of your life. Make up your mind and be ready to do whatever the Lord says, because it pays to serve him. 

Prayer: O Lord, let not the things of this life have dominion over my life, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Reflection: And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things - Luke 10:41.