Rich Young Ruler | Morning Routine Daily Devotional for February 17

The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. — Matthew 19:20–22 ESV

Wealth, position and youth… the American dream brings fullness and inward peace, correct? Apparently, the “rich, young, ruler” disagrees. He had so much but was quite aware that he was lacking. His focus was not upon what he had, but what he didn’t have. In part, it reveals something about our human nature that is instinctively ungrateful… but that focus is for another time. Here, I want to focus on his “inward lacking.”

Satan and his host of conspirators offer numerous “tokens” of deception, but these tokens always come up short of fulfillment. And yet, we will chase after them as the ultimate prize of the human experience. They are not. Thank God for meeting our needs; thank God for every “extra” that He brings our way. But none of these tokens are God. Therefore, none of these can give what only comes from God. 

What if we would approach our relationship with Christ as though His presence in our lives would bring about real peace, and real life that never ends? Today, you and I, let’s not be deceived. Yes, let’s be a good steward of the opportunities God has given us, but let’s seek Him, as the ultimate prize of the human experience.