Begin Again
“That was the last thing the young man expected to hear. And so, crestfallen, he walked away. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and he couldn’t bear to let go.” (Matthew 19:22 NIV)
Every year I take time out during the week after Christmas to assess the previous twelve months and make plans for the next twelve. In essence, I make plans for how I will begin again in the new year. This requires intentionality and prayer, but it also requires a healthy dose of honesty when it comes to the things I want to change.
Oh, how easy is it to justify things and not change at all? For me, it is far too easy. I love the Lord and do my best to do the right things. Shouldn’t that be good enough? What does Jesus say about that?
In Matthew 19, Jesus tells the story of an unnamed young man who came to him asking what he must do to earn eternal life. We know little about this young man beyond the fact that he seemed to be earnestly seeking an answer from Jesus to a question that was very important to him.
As Jesus listed the things this young man must do—abstain from the bad things such as murder, adultery, and lying, and commit to good things such as honoring his parents—the fellow was able to state that he had done all of this. He seemed quite proud that he had managed to do all the things expected of him, almost anticipating Jesus will heap praises and tell him he’s ready for eternal life.
Can you relate? I know I can.
Instead, Jesus turned the young man’s expectations upside down and made a challenge: sell everything he owns and give it to the poor. Can you imagine how this young man must have felt when he, an earnest but proud fellow, was told that all the things he had done—the works he had performed—werenot enough? Instead of gaining Jesus’s approval, the young man walked away disappointed, unable to fully let go.
Once again, I can relate to this feeling of disappointment. We try so hard to be perfect, but it’s an impossible goal.
The young man in the story thought that goal was possible, and when he found out it wasn’t, he turned away from Jesus in favor of holding on to things that were more precious to him than eternal life. It might be easy for us to shake our heads and wonder just how this could happen. After all, the young man had the benefit of speaking directly to Jesus and getting a response to what was possibly the most important question he had ever asked.
Aren’t we just like that young man, though? The things of this life can sometimes control us, too. Some of these are good things. Things that in and of themselves are not bad. Jesus knows our hearts and he understands.
Yes, he wants us to be happy. Yes, he wants us to love our lives and all the people and things in them. And why wouldn’t he? After all, he created us! But above all, he wants us to be holy.
If I were to ask, I bet you could come up with a long list of your favorite people and your favorite things. Guess what? That’s great! Now think of another list: the list of everything more important than the Lord.
Did you think of anything? If you did, that just means you’ve got some work to do with Jesus in order to be able to lay that thing or that person down and put the Lord where he should be.
Ouch? I know. Me too.
Earlier in the same chapter, Jesus talks about how we should all come to him in the same way a child does. Yes, children hold things in their hands, but when they see something better—something they love more (or someone!)—they let that thing go and forget it to run toward what is most important. Is there something you’re holding too tightly? Will you let it go if Jesus asks? Will you run to him with your hands empty?
In light of this new year, this turning of the calendar to a fresh beginning, these are questions that are important to ask. Maybe that thing you thought of a few minutes ago is something on your list of New Year’s resolutions. Or maybe you don’t do resolutions, but you do seek a word or phrase from God at the beginning of each year.
Whatever you do to begin again, remember as you turn the page and step into a new year–a year that is fresh and full of promise—hold on to the things of the world loosely. Keep your palms open and your heart focused on Jesus. Most of all, make sure the Lord is at the top of your list.
Bestselling author is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee and author of more than ninety books with over two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad. A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she has been nominated for a Career Achievement Award as well a Reader’s Choice Award and several Top Picks by Romantic Times magazine. She is a member of ACFW, Novelists Inc., and the Texas Bar Association Paralegal Division. Her novels celebrate life, love and the Lord—and whenever she can manage it, her home state of Texas. To find out more about Kathleen or connect with her through social media, check out her website at www.kathleenybarbo.com.
Photograph © Green Chameleon, used with permission
