Jesus said “If you want to be complete, go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven. And come follow me.”
But when the young man heard this, he went away saddened, because he had many possessions. Matthew 19:21-22
Do you love trampolines? How about floating on your back in a calm pool, watching clouds inflate and malinger through the afternoon? Maybe your thrill is the way your insides hover in midair when a roller coaster finishes cresting its largest hill and flings you back toward earth. Each one of these moments is an example of times when, even for a moment, the normal rules of gravity don’t apply. We too can fly or float weightlessly.
For many of us that hunger to break the established rules of our world lead us to idolize and hope to emulate professional athletes. After all, who hasn’t wanted to be like Mike? Who hasn’t thought to him or herself “it’s gotta be the shoes?” And, just maybe, if it is the shoes, maybe we can buy ourselves the advantage so we too can fly through the air?
On some level we know, however, that we can get the shoes and we still probably won’t be able to dunk. We can upgrade our kitchen and still not cook any better. We can buy a new car and still get home at the same time. We can buy just about anything and be no happier or more fulfilled.
Pastor Tom Berlin has helped members of his congregations break free from the allure of possessions and discover the freedom this brings to life. His book and accompanying small group study, Defying Gravity, equips his readers for living beyond the weight of possessions and acquisition to discover our power for generous living here and now. You are invited to join me on this journey over the next four weeks into the invitation Jesus offered the rich young man 2000 years ago – “come follow me.”
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Ben
Defying Gravity – Breaking Free