What Do I Still Lack?

Here’s a question that every follower of Jesus should be asking himself or herself, “What do I still lack?” In Matthew 19:16-19, we read …

Someone came up and asked Jesus, “Teacher, what good must I do to have eternal life?” He replied, “If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he asked him. Jesus answered: “Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and love your neighbor as yourself.”

Obedience to God’s commandments is a manifestation of a changed life. Yet, this man knows that there is more than just getting into heaven.

V 20-21, “I have kept all these,” the young man told him. “What do I still lack?” “If you want to be perfect,” Jesus said to him, “go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

The word “perfect” means complete or mature. Sincere Believers who are growing in their faith and walk regularly ask, “What do I still lack?”, because they want to follow Jesus more closely.  The story concludes in Verse 22 …

When the young man heard that, he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.

“He went away grieving because he had many possessions” is something that we do not hear very often. Do you know anyone that mourns because of having too many possessions? Most probably grieve because they do not have more possessions. But truly, he did not grieve because he had many possessions. He grieved because his possessions had him. Unfortunately, this is not unusual, I have never heard anyone pray that God would reduce the number of their possessions!

Yet, we can only hold on to a limited number of things. What things are higher priorities in our lives than God’s blessings? It is amazing to me what people would rather have than the Presence of God, the Anointing of the Holy Spirit, and the Power of the Kingdom! Most cling to worthless activities, trashy TV, ungodly music, associates that do not inspire Kingdom living, and burdensome possessions.

How often do we miss blessed supernatural opportunities for fleeting pleasures?

-Blessings, Pastor Eric