"And Jesus looked around about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
The footnote in verse 27 is very important in understanding this story of the rich man that was told to sell all and follow Jesus, and could not.
JST Mark 10:26 "....With men that trust in riches, it is impossible; but not impossible with men who trust in God and leave all for my sake, for with such all these things are possible."
So what I see the rich man being asked to do is give up the natural man, his love of money. Jesus cared nothing for his wealth, he wanted him to follow him. That couldn't be done until this man was willing to give up his will and seek God's. It was never the money that was the issue. It was the love of it. What each person has to give up depends on what they are trusting in more than God.
"But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.
And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good - to clothe the naked, and feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and afflicted."
(Jacob 2:18-19)
The interesting thing is the adversary also knows these scriptures. He will use it to tempt us to think that our desire for money will be used to help others, when deep inside we know it's so we can benefit first. It takes a very strong person to not be swallowed up in the love of money. For even a poor man can have a love of money too.
So how is a person to over come this? I think it is to consecrate all that we have unto the Lord. Make Him our partner and council with the him in being a wise steward in managing what we have. It's not ours its His, we are just stewards of it. A wise steward will manage it well and be self-reliant and be a strength to others. It's knowing that when we look at all that we have that it is there to build up his kingdom when asked. Then the temptation over riches is no longer ours to be tempted with. This is a sacred covenant we make with the Lord in living the law of consecration.
Kirtland Temple by Walter Rane
Day 1542
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