Just One More Thing…

Infomercials regularly pitch their cure-all offers as “risk-free.” It sounds enticing but nothing in this life is risk-free. The only question is what are we willing to risk…and why? 

Some risk their relationships at the altar of work and success. Others risk their health through addictive behavior. And most risk playing it safe rather than fully following Jesus…like the rich young ruler did. 

Jesus looked him hard in the eye—and loved him! He said, “There’s one thing left: Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me.” The man’s face clouded over. This was the last thing he expected to hear, and he walked off with a heavy heart. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go. (Mark 10:21-22 MSG) 

“I’d love for you to follow me,” Jesus says in so many words. Then he pauses and adds this simple but powerful comment. “Before you do, there’s just one more thing.” 

My heart goes out to the young man. He seems genuine in his desire to follow Jesus…but another part of him “was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go.” Ultimately, he risked losing Jesus to keep what he had. We may not be wealthy, but we regularly weigh our risks. 

The world teaches us to only risk out of self-interest. But God, as the most real being ever, invites us to deny the self, defy the artificial, and risk the real. He asks us to risk everything— safety, fame, wealth, tradition, expectations, and conveniences—to follow him with no guarantees other than his steadfast presence.  

Sure, that’s risky. But what better risk is there?