How can we "sell everything" to prioritize Jesus in our daily lives? A startling invitation “Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘You lack one thing. Go, sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.’” — Mark 10:21 What “sell everything” means • Total transfer of ownership: acknowledging that every resource, gift, and moment already belongs to Christ. • Visible detachment: refusing to let possessions, ambitions, or relationships rival Jesus for first place. • Active generosity: redistributing what He entrusts to bless others and advance His kingdom. • Ongoing surrender: revisited daily, not a one-time event. Identifying our modern riches • Bank accounts, homes, vehicles, gadgets • Career titles, reputation, influence • Personal schedules, leisure time, comfort zones • Hidden treasures: secret sins, unforgiveness, pride, self-reliance Practical ways to “sell everything” today • Open-handed budgeting – Set a line item for spontaneous generosity. – View surplus as seed, not security (2 Corinthians 9:10–11). • Simple living choices – Downsize clutter; donate useful items. – Opt for contentment over upgrades (1 Timothy 6:6–8). • Time tithing – Schedule Scripture intake and prayer first; fit other tasks around them (Psalm 63:1). – Volunteer weekly in service that meets real needs; treat it as non-negotiable. • Relational obedience – Forgive debts—financial or emotional—promptly (Matthew 6:14–15). – Speak of Jesus naturally; let His name cost you social capital if necessary (Matthew 10:32–33). • Career alignment – Evaluate job assignments and business practices against kingdom values (Ephesians 4:28). – Be willing to decline profit that compromises holiness. • Digital decluttering – Unfollow accounts that stir envy or lust (1 John 2:16). – Redeem screen time with worship, teaching, or outreach. Treasures worth the trade • Deeper fellowship with Christ—“To live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21). • Eternal rewards that cannot perish (Matthew 6:19–20). • Freedom from anxiety—“Seek first the kingdom… all these things will be added” (Matthew 6:33). • Joy of participating in God’s generosity (Acts 20:35). Daily checkpoints • Heart audit: anything I would grieve to lose more than Christ? (Luke 14:33) • Wallet check: last month’s spending—does it mirror kingdom priorities? • Calendar glance: does Jesus receive prime or leftover hours? • Conversation log: do my words reveal Jesus as treasure? • Decision filter: will this choice deepen my follow-ship or distract from it? As each open-handed step is taken, the promise stands: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). |
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