Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!" And the disciples were perplexed at these words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. They were greatly astounded and said to one another, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible."

Mark 10:23-27

Jesus was not teaching that we must give up our wealth to be acceptable to Him. We can never earn eternal life by our works. He was showing this man his spiritual bankruptcy. His heart was set on wealth, not Jesus. No good deed can earn eternal life - not helping the homeless or giving away all our money. Jesus wants us to give Him our heart. Then we'll have real treasure - treasure in heaven - and we'll seek to help others.

Salvation is given, not earned.

Our Daily Bread - October 26, 2004