People supporting their male friend riding a gym stationary bike
Group of cheering people encouraging their friend riding a stationary bike while working out together in a gym

Reading Mark 10:17-27, I suddenly got stunned with envy. Who wouldn’t want to be both young and rich at the same time? I thought to myself that this guy could be the internet billionaire during Jesus’ time. But as I read on, my focus started to shift towards the need of this young billionaire. I guess no matter how rich you are; we will always have needs. The young man acknowledged this. Then he made the right move and started to gravitate towards Jesus – the only one who can satisfy us and the one that can give us treasures beyond this earth.

Reading on my feeling of envy started to shift towards feeling sorry. I realize that despite experiencing the sincerity and love of Jesus, it was difficult to let go of his treasures and follow Christ.

I started to put myself in his shoes and asked myself if I would have done the same thing? I was, after all, born and bred to be stingy. Would I be able to go to places where there is no internet for the sake of Christ and the people he loves? Can I live a life without toilets and a hot bath? Can I let go of my conveniences to answer the call to go and make disciples of all nations?

I begin to examine my experiences, starting from the time I followed Christ. I realized that the more I got closer to Him, the lesser income I got. The more time I spend time ministering to people (sometimes even to spooky and weird strangers), the more my wealth decreases. It even came to a point when it was next to nothing – literally at the same level as nothing. This was a huge dilemma. My two kids depended on me for university money. I was ready to raise the white flag and admit that I can’t give up my earthly treasure, then I heard a gentle whisper that said, “I care.”

Those two words woke me up and made me realize that I wouldn’t want to be like the rich young man I envied.

I went back to the story of the rich young man, but this time focused on Jesus instead of him. Verse 27 says, “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

It dawned on me that he lacked one thing – freedom! He is blinded by the fact that his wealth lorded over him, and Jesus cared for him so much that he was trying to set him free. Sometimes wealth, influence, fame, and power puts us into a comfortable bubble. Soon after, without realizing it, the bubble transforms into a concrete grave.

I then got reminded of the times God has provided for our family. I am not talking just about material blessings here. There were a lot of times when I didn’t know where the provision came from, but one thing is for sure, He has provided generously.

Claiming to his promise, I made a declaration of faith. I won’t give up. I will continue pursuing the call to make disciples. I realized I am made able to forsake everything because I know Christ, and He is faithful.

God is faithful when we step away from the pleasures and comfort into a life of suffering for the sake of the Gospel. You don’t need much. You only need Christ!