The Weight of Our Wallets

Michael W.
Dec 4
3 min read

When Possessions Hold Us Back from Purpose

We live in a world that constantly whispers, "More." More gadgets, more clothes, more experiences, more upgrades. Our online carts are perpetually full, and the next must-have item is always just a click away. But what if all this "more" is actually less? What if our relentless pursuit of possessions is quietly, subtly, holding us back from something far greater? This isn't a new struggle. Thousands of years ago, a story unfolded that speaks directly to our modern dilemma – the encounter between Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler.

The Question We All Ask

A young man, wealthy and influential, approached Jesus with a question that echoes in every human heart: "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Imagine the scene: a sincere seeker, clearly religious, outwardly successful. He had kept the commandments since his youth – no murder, no stealing, honoring parents, loving his neighbor. He was, by all accounts, a "good person." Yet, he sensed something was missing. He asked, "What do I still lack?"

The Uncomfortable Truth

Jesus, looking at him with love, knew exactly where the young man's heart truly resided. He didn't tell him to start keeping commandments he already kept. He didn't tell him to pray more or attend more synagogue services. Instead, Jesus delivered a precise, surgical strike to the core of his idolatry:

"If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

Ouch.

The text tells us the young man "went away sorrowful, because he had great wealth." His desire for eternal life was real, but his grip on his material possessions was stronger. His wallet held more sway than his spiritual aspirations.

The Camel and the Needle

Jesus then turned to His disciples and uttered one of His most striking parables: "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

This wasn't an indictment of wealth itself, but an indictment of attachment to wealth. It's about anything that stands between us and absolute surrender to God. For this young man, his riches were his god. For us, it might not be millions in the bank, but the constant craving for the latest phone, the bigger house, the trendiest wardrobe.

Are We the Rich Young Ruler?

Consider your own life for a moment.

Do you find yourself constantly buying things you don't truly need? That fleeting thrill of a new purchase, only for it to quickly fade?
Does the thought of letting go of your possessions fill you with anxiety or sorrow? Not just necessities, but the "stuff" you've accumulated?
Are your spending habits dictated by societal trends or a perceived need to "keep up"?
Do you find that chasing material things leaves you feeling emptier, rather than fulfilled?

If so, you might be closer to the rich young ruler than you think. Our possessions, though seemingly benign, can become powerful chains, anchoring us to this world and preventing us from soaring into the spiritual freedom Jesus offers.

The Real Treasure

The story isn't about shaming us for having things. It's about identifying the true "treasure" of our hearts. Jesus didn't just say, "Sell your stuff." He said, "Sell your possessions... and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

He was offering a divine exchange: earthly possessions for heavenly treasure, a life of self-reliance for a life of following Him. This "treasure in heaven" isn't just about the afterlife; it's about the richness of a life lived in purpose, generosity, and unhindered devotion to God right here, right now.

What to Do?

The challenge isn't necessarily to sell everything you own (unless God specifically calls you to that). It's to examine your heart:

Identify your idols: What do you cling to most tightly? What causes you the most anxiety to imagine losing?
Practice generosity: Giving breaks the power of materialism. It reminds us that everything we have is a gift to be shared.
Seek contentment: Cultivate gratitude for what you have, rather than always desiring what you don't.
Prioritize purpose over possessions: Invest your time, energy, and resources into things that have eternal value.
Remember who is in control: "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Breaking free from the grip of materialism isn't something we can do purely through willpower. It requires God's transformative power in our lives.