Forsaking treasures of world — and heart
Orson Scott Card
Jesus recited to him many of the Ten Commandments and added, "Love your neighbor as yourself."
"I've done all these things from my youth up; what do I still lack?"
Perhaps I'm too cynical about human nature, but I suspect the young man was hoping Jesus would look into his heart and say, "You have arrived; your soul is pure; you will be saved in the kingdom of heaven." But that's not how Jesus answered him.
"If you would be perfect, go and sell all you have, give it to the poor, and come follow me. Your treasure will then be in heaven."
The young man couldn't do it, because, says the scripture, "he had great possessions" (Matthew 19:22).
I've heard it said that this commandment applied only to this particular young man because he so loved his high position in society; Jesus asked of him the sacrifice that would be hardest for him.
I've also heard people say that it is enough to be willing to give up everything and follow Christ — "I've given everything to the Lord in my heart, and if he ever asks me for it, it's his!"
To read the rest of Orson Scott Card's column on MormonTimes.com, please click here.
Recent comments
Great point. Thank you.
RL | April 17, 2008 at 4:44 p.m.
very well stated for me any way, thank you
hbeckett | April 17, 2008 at 8:12 a.m.
