What's holding you back?

What's holding you back?

Yesterday at church a young mother was not in attendance. When her husband was asked about her, he explained that she had had such a busy day at opening day on the baseball field that she was just too tired to come to church.

I am not judging, I do not know her heart, but Jesus can see into our hearts. Are you hiding anything there that keeps you from coming to Him or following Him?

Let's look at a biblical example. 

And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. (Mark 10:17-22 ESV)

This story is told in three of the gospels. It was a good teachable moment for the disciples with Jesus.

This man is described as a rich man, a young man, a ruler. He came to Jesus and bowed down and acknowledged Jesus' goodness. 

Jesus quickly left him know that only God is good. 

Jesus asked him several questions about the Law. The young man answered correctly. 

Jesus then said that he lacked one thing. He told him to sell all he had, give the proceeds away and follow Him. 

The young man hung his head and walked away. 

You see, Jesus knew that this man was not ready to sacrifice for his faith. He had things holding him back from completely giving himself to Jesus.

Our relationship with The Lord must be first and foremost EVERY day of our lives, not just one day for a few hours. 

Is anything keeping you from total commitment to Jesus?

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24 ESV)