FIGHTING MATERIALISM. By Pastor Fernando

SCRIPTURE
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."
Mark 10:27

OBSERVATION
The disciples were astonished to hear that no one with a materialistic mindset could enter into heaven. Jesus is not saying that rich people cannot be saved. He is saying that those that are owned by their possessions, those that love their possessions more than the Kingdom of God will not enter into heaven. The disciples knew that love for possessions and materialism is a common human desire. We all have materialistic tendencies. No wonder they were so concerned. If this is true, then no one would be saved. But Jesus tells them that nothing is impossible to God. This does not mean that God would compromise and let materialistic people make it to heaven. What it means is that if people are willing, God can change our human tendency for materialism for a willingness to seek the Kingdom of God first.

APPLICATION
There is no human sinful behavior or mindset that God cannot overcome. Every person has an opportunity to face the Gospel and walk into an eternal relationship with God. But willingness to surrender all things before Him, to give away everything for the sake of the kingdom, is an unavoidable challenge. Good works without total surrender to God means nothing. That's why is so important that my heart i snot attached to anything in this world. For people that have little is easier to let things go. It's understandable that for those that have many things this challenge is more difficult. But we must be willing to let anything go at any moment's notice. Our heart and mind must be in the things of heven, not in the material possessions and perks of this world.

PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, even though in the past I have left everything for you, homes, cars, family, friends, my culture, etc., I can see that my human tendency for materialism can grow in my heart and mind. I want to move forward at your last minute request without thinking what I'm leaving behind. Everything I have is yours, so if you want it, you can have it. Let me have the same heart I had 11 years when I left everything for the Gospel. I was able to do that because there is nothing impossible for You yesterday, today, and forever. Amen!