It all began with one question..."Jesus, what must I do to inherit eternal life?". That's how the rich young ruler asked. Jesus' response must have brought a sense of relief to the man. He had kept the commandments from the time he was young.
What Jesus says next catches the man by surprise...
Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
--Matthew 10:21
This parenting thing is hard when it comes to treasure. Our kids they all have things they love, even treasure. We often find them working hard, practicing, giving their all for that one thing they want so badly to have. I want it for mine too...spending money and time on lessons, practices, fuel to get them there. Hours spent watching, cheering, doing my best to support their endeavors.
How does a parent help them remain balanced...remind them of their true treasure? And when the unbalance occurs where is the line we should draw? If other things slip, grades drop or their friendships suffer...then what? Exactly where do grace and discipline meet?
Grace and discipline seem to oppose each other if you miss the first nine words of this verse.
Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him...
Jesus could have left the conversation as it was. He didn't add the final words to burst the man's bubble. He continued out of His love for the man.
There once was a man who found a treasure in a field. He thought it was so valuable he sold all he had to buy that field and have the treasure. Jesus said that treasure was like the Kingdom of Heaven.
Love must drive us to help our children recognize that treasure. Yes, we may get dirty digging. We will probably have blisters on our hands and sore muscles. We may even have to give all we have. But this is the story of Grace...and it is the lesson that will last a lifetime.
