Read Luke 18:18-30

“Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me” (v. 22).

Money, money, money; what a blessing you can be and yet what a curse you often become instead! In 1997, a man won the Texas Lottery Lotto jackpot of $31 million. He quit his job and spent money. In just twenty months he was broke, put a shotgun to his chest, and pulled the trigger. Most of us won't ever have this much money, but what we do have can be just as big a curse. The rich ruler forfeited the privilege to walk with Jesus for mere earthly riches. How foolish! There is nothing wrong with being a good business person and making a lot of money. God's kingdom needs a lot more financing than it has. But if riches become our idol, it would be better to sell all we have and give the proceeds away so that we could follow the Master with all of our hearts. (LWG)

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;

I'd rather be His than have riches untold;

I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands;

I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand. — Oscar C. A. Bernadotte

No money or other earthly possessions are worth anything in comparison to Jesus!

This devotional is the Tuesday, March 21, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.