What are you willing to give up to acquire the most prized reward? Are you willing to leave everything behind? Are you willing to stop running the rat race our culture tells us to run? Will you stop allowing the things of this world control you? Will you allow yourself to be set free?
The rat race far too many of us run is exhausting. We grow weary of the continual struggle to achieve something more. Yet, we continue to work harder, run faster, and be imprisoned by the trappings of this world. Our hearts desire is put on hold for the things our eyes can see.
Let’s not misunderstand. There is nothing wrong with working hard. In fact, we are told to work as though everything we do is being done for God. But we also must remember that Jesus took time to seek out the Father in quiet seclusion. Jesus did not run the rat race of the world. He sought to fulfill the mission the Father had given Him.
Jesus tells His disciples that no one who leaves their house, family, or possessions for His sake will lose their reward. In fact, He says they will receive a hundredfold in return. Again, let’s not misunderstand. Jesus is not saying that we must physically leave everything to receive the reward, though that may be the right decision for some. He is saying we must stop allowing those things control our lives. We must make Him number one in our life—every moment of every day of every year of our lives.
Jesus also does not say those who do not stop allowing the world to control their behavior will be left out. What He does say is they will not receive as grand a reward. This is meaning behind the first will be last and the last will be first. Those who appear to be last because they have stopped allowing the world to control their priorities, but instead make Jesus their number one priority, will be first in the kingdom. Perhaps we should rethink how we prioritize things in our lives today to receive the best reward in the future.
I pray we all strive to let go of our worldly desires. I pray we seek to be set free. I pray each one of us will make Jesus our number one priority and receive the best reward for doing so. Don’t allow the world to control you. Be set free by Jesus. Make Jesus your number one priority.
Mark 10:31 “But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
Marty Pressey 