Emphasis Preaching Journal

In this case, the crucial test for the young man was the ability to give up his wealth. This is not to be generalized to everyone. But what we take for granted as ours may be what we are asked to leave behind in order to follow Jesus, even our ability to perform religious duties in the accepted way. People do not by nature submit to God's will, but sincere submission is essential to salvation. We may be asked to give up what we consider to be our very selves, for a better self that God can see.