Just some early morning thoughts from me to you…

“As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ 
‘Why do you call me good?’ Jesus asked. ‘Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’
‘Teacher,’ the man replied, ‘I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.’
Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. ‘There is still one thing you haven’t done,’ he told him. ‘Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’
At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.”
Mark 10: 17-22 (NLT)

“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew 6: 20-21, 33 (NIV)

It’s a familiar story set out above in the Gospel of Mark. 

The story of the rich young man who confronted Jesus, as Jesus was headed to Jerusalem to finish why He came to earth.

The man had kept all the commandments and seemed like a decent guy.

Measured by the world’s standards, that is. And successful. He had built a legacy of wealth, respect, and position in and by the world’s standards.

His name would be remembered, at least for a while when he was gone, because of his wealth, accomplishments, and possessions.

But something troubled him. 

Was he destined for eternal life with Christ, of which he had heard Christ talk?

Jesus answered him saying there is one more thing he needed to do—sell all you have and give it to those in need. Then you’re good, and come follow me.

The man was devastated. 

The price was too high, and so he went away sad. He did not grasp it.

Jesus was not, and is not, against wealth or stuff in and of itself—unless it becomes our god, as it had become for that man. 

Unless it comes before Jesus. And ahead of Jesus’ call on our lives to be who He created us to be. Not someone else, who the world calls us to be. 

But instead, Jesus’ call to follow Him and touch the world everywhere here and for eternity.

To leave a legacy where everything about us—things we accomplish, things we acquire, and things and people we lift—is not about us, but instead reflects a life lived, and legacy left, with a heart first, always, and forever, pointing to Jesus.

In the song “Only Jesus” Casting Crowns offers some thoughts about the life and legacy Christ calls us to leave when they share—

“Make it count, leave a mark, build a name for yourself.
Dream your dreams, chase your heart, above all else,
Make a name the world remembers.
But all an empty world can sell is empty dreams…
And I, I don’t want to leave a legacy.
I don’t care if they remember me,
Only Jesus.
And I, I’ve only got one life to live.
I’ll let every second point to Him,
Only Jesus…”

We were created by God like no one else. 

To live a life guided, lifted and encouraged by our Creator. 

A life where we are to seek first God and all He calls us to be and do.

A life lived which leaves a legacy always and forever pointing to Jesus.

Only Jesus.

In His Name–Scott

You will be blessed as you watch the scenes, and listen to Casting Crowns sing “Only Jesus.” 

 

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