The Rich Young Ruler

Recently I was re-reading the story of the Rich Young Ruler in Mark 10. One verse stuck out particularly.

“Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (emphasis mine)

Jesus didn’t want the young ruler to sell all his things because God is against wealth. Nor is God out to make us unhappy. Christ asks us to give him everything because he loves us. The things that we hold on to are the things that can keep us from following Christ completely.