Chapter 5: Practice From The Heart

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Yes, God has put His laws in your mind and has written them on your heart. Fellowship with the Father is a matter of practice, practice, and

practice. Specifically it is a matter of us getting back into the practice of fellowship with our Heavenly Father. Jesus [and God’s Holy Word] has made it very clear that you don’t have to be perfect. But, you do have to try. You at least have to practice.

Jesus responds to the ruler’s question with: “If you want to be perfect … do these things.” The message is that nothing in your earthly habitat will make you perfect in God’s eyes except selling it all off, giving it to the poor and following Jesus [God’s direction]. It is a simple message. You should

build up for yourself a treasure in Heaven. You should be friends with God and not of the earthly stuff. Yes, indeed you have to live here in the flesh. But, your heart and spirit can dwell with God in this earthly existence. That is the message from Jesus.

Jesus continues in verses 23-24 by pointing out how difficult it will be for a rich man to enter into Heaven. Remember that Jesus has already confirmed that this particular man will receive eternal life because he is

keeping God’s commandments. However, Jesus is now pointing out to his disciples the difficulties that a rich person will face. What Jesus is referring to here is that it is very difficult for rich people to give up their earthly possessions. That will become a major stumbling block for many. Why?

The danger in riches lies within the simple principle of control. With wealth you can easily have a feeling of controlling your own destiny. You hire things done for you and might even command an army of servants to do

your bidding. With a focus on what you can do with your own resources, it is easy to lose sight of WHO allowed you to have those resources [wealth].

In 1993, I gave everything I own away. I gave up ownership in favor

of stewardship. I no longer worry about money and assets. I let God worry about them for me. Whatever He decides is fine with me. I can tell you that it was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. It helped move me from an earthly focus to a Heavenly focus. While I still have huge goals

in life, I am ever aware of this simple principle of control. God’s Word says to lean not on your own understanding. That is what Jesus is talking about.