LET GO!

There is an appointed time for everything...A time to keep and a time to throw away. Eccl. 3:1,6.

We Americans can have a hard time letting go of things. I enjoy watching American Pickers. Often they run into incredible hoarders. They have junk everywhere. Homes and barns can be stacked to the ceilings. The clutter can be unhealthful harboring insects and critters. The stench can be overwhelming. These people can be killing themselves, because they simply cannot bear to part with their stuff.

The rich young ruler was sensing a problem blocking closeness to God, but he was blind to what it was (Matt. 19:16-26). Our Lord pointed out to him that his wealth was causing him to stumble at putting God first. Now not every rich person has their wealth elevated above God, but for this young man and many others it is a pervasive problem. There were no stacks of junk, no insects, mice and smells. In fact most people wouldn't see he had a problem. For someone else it might be more obvious like drugs, alcohol, pornography. People can get in over their heads very quickly.   

When I was 17, our youth group was at a pool party. I and several young fellows were sporting over a ball. We would hang on to the ball, and the other five would try to take it away. It was great fun until we drifted into the deep end. Five young men held me down. I struggled mightily. Air started escaping from my mouth. My life flashed before my eyes. I said a prayer to God, then in my mind I heard, "Let go of the ball!" In a flash I was saved. Perhaps you find yourself in over your head. Let go of it and reach out to the Savior.   

Russ Simpson