The Difficulty of Being Saved

21 Then, looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, “You lack one thing: Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” 22 But he was stunned at this demand, and he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.

23 Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 But the disciples were astonished at His words. Again Jesus said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
Mark 10:21-25 (HCSB)


Jesus told the rich man what was required to enter the kingdom of heaven. Was it that you must sell all your possessions, give it to the poor, and follow Christ in a state of poverty? No. This young ruler worshipped his wealth, his possessions. The apostle John tells us later that we are not to love the things of the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of possessions, is not from the Father, but is from the world (1 Jn 2:15-18).


Immediately after this situation, Jesus’ first word to his disciples was, “How hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!” These were amazing words! His disciples were astonished! Jesus, seeing their incredulity, didn’t soften his words. He said it again, if not with more emphasis this time. Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.

What Jesus was telling the rich young ruler, and the disciples, is that he requires absolute allegiance! Many times we read these stories and think that they are for other people, not us. But this scripture should hit home with, if anyone, most certainly us!!! Though economically, we are going through a hard time, yet the average American household still has more “possessions” than the average household anywhere else in the world.


If there is anything that takes God’s place in our lives, that is the one thing that we must get rid of us. The rich young rulers idol was his wealth. Jesus told him to sell all his “stuff,” and follow God. He made him get rid of the idol that was in his life, so he could follow God.


Let me talk to you now. What keeps you from God’s word, or from attending and serving in the church? Do you have time to get on the internet to check you email, and your five websites, but don’t have time for reading the Bible? Do you have time to train and practice for sports or band, but can’t come to church? Can you text 40 friends in 30 minutes, but can’t read the Bible for 10!?? Children, HOW HARD it is to enter the kingdom of God!


What keeps us out of heaven is that we all have idols in our lives. Sometimes, even after we are saved we will get idols… What idols do you have in your life? What things are part of your daily schedule that keep you from spending time in God’s word? Our lives must unreservedly given to and following the LORD Jesus Christ if we are to enter heaven. My Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of heaven! Do you need to surrender your life to Christ today?