This story is often taught from the perspective of money and possessions. If that is what you are expecting, keep reading, because I am going somewhere a little different. Money is still part of the story, but this devotional is about whether we are actively living the purpose God has given us or simply passing through the scene.
I was scrolling through YouTube a few weeks ago and watched a video where someone randomly quizzed people on the street. After that video played, I started receiving suggestions for similar content. One of the videos had the acronym NPC in the title. I looked it up and learned that NPC stands for non-player character.
In video games, an NPC is a character the player does not directly control. NPCs can still be important to the story, give information, create challenges, or help move the game forward. For my 40-plus crowd, think about Super Mario Bros. You can play as Mario, and in the two-player mode Luigi also takes a turn. Bowser and Princess Toadstool are part of the story, but they are not player-controlled characters in that original game.
The analogy made me think about life. I do not want to move through my days as though I am only occupying space in someone else’s story. I want to be an active participant in what God has called me to do, using what He has given me to serve, grow, and make an impact.
The wealthy man in Mark 10 seriously sought Jesus and wanted eternal life. He told Jesus that he had kept the commandments Jesus named. Jesus looked at him and loved him, then exposed the place where his allegiance was divided. The man was not willing to release his wealth and follow Jesus. The issue was deeper than simply owning money; Jesus’ call revealed what the man was unwilling to surrender.
I sometimes imagine how different the story might have been if the man had followed Jesus, but Scripture does not tell us what happened to him after he walked away. What it does give us is a warning: we can be sincere, moral, successful, and still allow something to keep us from fully following Christ.
We need more out of life than money, success, or tangible goods. We need a relationship with God, the saving work of Jesus Christ, and lives shaped by the Holy Spirit. I do not want possessions, comfort, fear, or routine to keep me from participating in the purpose God has placed before me.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Creator and Ruler of all eternity. LORD help me to keep the commands, to be faithful, giving, and to honor You with my full life and not let possession keep me from having a relationship with You. Allow me to have the impact that You intend for my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
Author: Travis White |
