The One Thing That Changes Everything

There's a story in the Gospel of Luke that stops us in our tracks. It's about a man who seemingly had everything together—wealth, youth, power, and religious devotion. Yet when he encountered Jesus, he walked away with profound sadness rather than joy. His story reveals a truth that challenges every one of us: there's one thing in each of our lives that's driving everything else, and if that one thing isn't Jesus, it will prevent us from experiencing the fullness of life He offers.

The Man Who Had It All (Except What Mattered Most)

The rich young ruler approached Jesus with what seemed like genuine spiritual hunger. "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" he asked. His question reveals something crucial about his mindset—he believed eternal life was something to be earned through his own efforts and goodness.

Jesus, in His wisdom, didn't immediately correct this thinking. Instead, He listed several commandments: don't commit adultery, don't murder, don't steal, don't bear false witness, honor your father and mother. The young man's response was stunning: "All these things I've kept from my youth."

From the outside, this was an impressive resume. A faithful husband, non-violent, honest, respectful to his parents, devoted to religious practice. By all external measures, this man was nailing it. He was the kind of person who would be leading Bible studies, serving in leadership, and setting an example for others.

But Jesus wasn't satisfied with the facade. He was after something deeper.

The One Thing You Still Lack

"One thing you still lack," Jesus told him. "Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and come follow me."

The man's response is heartbreaking: he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.

Jesus wasn't being cruel or playing a "gotcha" game. Mark's account of this story tells us that Jesus looked at the man and loved him. This wasn't about taking something from him—it was about offering something to him. Jesus was inviting him into a relationship that demanded lordship, yes, but also promised something far better than anything wealth could provide.

The issue wasn't the money itself. It was what the money represented in this man's heart. His wealth was his source of security, satisfaction, and identity. Until he surrendered that, he could never fully follow Jesus.

Kingdom Life Is Received, Not Earned

This encounter reveals a fundamental truth about the kingdom of God: it cannot be earned through our own goodness or achievements. It can only be received.

Just before this story in Luke's gospel, Jesus made this clear when children were brought to Him. While the crowds tried to push them away, Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."

Children have nothing to offer. They can't earn anything or give anything. All they can do is come with open arms and trust they'll be received. That's the posture required for entering God's kingdom—not bringing our resume of achievements, but coming with empty hands and surrendered hearts.

The rich young ruler wanted to bring God what he could do. Jesus was asking him to receive what only God could give.

Whatever Has Your Heart Has You

The man's emotional reaction revealed everything. He didn't just become sad—he became very sad. His visceral response was an indicator of where his true allegiance lay.

This raises an uncomfortable question for all of us: What's the one thing in your life that's driving everything else?

For some, it's time. The thought of giving up Sunday afternoons or evenings to serve seems too costly. For others, it's work—the entire identity is wrapped up in career advancement and professional success. For some, it's comfort. The idea of stepping outside familiar routines or sacrificing personal convenience feels impossible.

For others, it's unhealthy relationships they know aren't aligned with God's will but can't seem to let go. Or hobbies that consume disproportionate amounts of time and energy. And yes, for many, it's money and possessions.

Here's how to identify what that one thing might be for you: pay attention to your emotions when someone challenges you in a particular area. What makes you sad at the thought of surrendering it? What makes you angry when it's questioned? What makes you defensive, cynical, or afraid?

Those emotional reactions are often indicators that Jesus is tapping on an idol in your life—something you're trusting in more than Him for your security, satisfaction, or identity.

The Tale of Two Rich Men

The contrast between the rich young ruler and another wealthy man in Luke's gospel is striking. In the very next chapter, we meet Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector who was also extremely wealthy and powerful. Unlike the young ruler, Zacchaeus was rejected by society for his corruption and extortion.

When Jesus pursued him—of all people, perhaps the most "impossible" person to receive the kingdom—something shifted. After encountering Jesus, Zacchaeus ran out and gave away half his possessions. Then he promised to repay everyone he'd cheated four times over.

Jesus declared, "Salvation has come to this home."

The difference? Zacchaeus's generosity wasn't the cause of his salvation, it was the response. When Jesus became first in his life, giving became a joyful overflow rather than a reluctant obligation. His changed heart produced changed actions.

The Reward of Surrender

When Peter pointed out that the disciples had left everything to follow Jesus, Jesus made an extraordinary promise: "There is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come, eternal life."

This is the beautiful paradox of the kingdom: when we surrender everything to the One who owns everything, we actually don't lose anything. Instead, we gain everything that truly matters—both now and for eternity.

The rich young ruler's identity was tied to three things: his wealth, his youth, and his power. Two thousand years later, he's no longer rich (everything went to someone else when he died), no longer young, and ruling nothing. Whatever we place our identity in on this side of eternity has an expiration date.

But an identity rooted in being a follower of Jesus, someone who has surrendered everything to Him, has no expiration date.

Your One Thing

Life works best when Jesus is first. Not first among many priorities, but first in everything—the one thing that drives all other things.

The question isn't whether there's one thing in your life that's competing with Jesus for first place. The question is: what is that one thing, and are you willing to surrender it?

The invitation isn't to earn God's favor through sacrifice. It's to receive His grace through surrender. To come like a child with empty hands and say, "I have nothing to bring. Would you hold me?"

And then, from that place of receiving His love and lordship, to joyfully respond by making Him first in every area of life—time, work, comfort, relationships, hobbies, and yes, finances.

The rich young ruler walked away sad. Zacchaeus ran forward with joy.

The difference was surrender.

What will your response be?