This past Sunday I was lucky enough to be able to spend a sunny afternoon outside with a few friends from Revival London.
While most of the time was spent eating, laughing, and soaking up being around other humans again, we did read a few scriptures too.
We discussed the passages in the bible that refer to the priorities of rich men, such as this one in Mark;
Mark 10:17-24
17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.
19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’
20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”
21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”
24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is e to enter the kingdom of God!
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
This is very well known passage, and there are many opinions around its meaning. I certainly have no answers to offer, and don’t even have strong feelings about the purpose of this story. What I do think though, is it is a good reminder to put stock in the truly important things in life. Kindness, love, humility … things that Jesus also says are vital.
At the end of the day, or even at the end of your life, what is it that you want to have spent your time doing? Is hoarding your money or obsessing over work holding you back from following God, or doing any of the other things that are truly valuable to you?
Take five minutes and have a read of this scripture. What does it say to you?
We’re always interested to hear your thoughts! hello@revival.london