20 Aug Instant Gratification (Matt 19:22) by Dr. Rich Reich
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
“When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.” ~ Matt 19:22 (full readings)
Rich’s Reflections: The young, rich man in today’s Gospel appears to be very wise for his age. He believed in eternal life and he wanted to attain it. Young people do not often look beyond today, much less the far reaches of eternity. However, when Jesus told him that he would have to sell all that he had, give to the poor, and come follow Him, the young man goes away sad. What did the young man own that could possibly be worth more than eternal life with Jesus? Nothing. The problem is timing. The young man is enslaved by the treasures that he can enjoy here now on earth, and he does not possess the patience or willpower to defer gratification until heaven. Our society is based on instant gratification: internet shopping, fast food, on-demand movies, e-mail, credit cards, pre-marital sex, etc. We need to learn to be patient and invest our time and service to our Lord now, so that we may enjoy eternal life with Him for eternity. Lord, give me the patience to invest my life in You. Amen.
* Dr. Rich Reich is the co-founder of the LIFE Group Devotions and the National LIFE Runners Team. He is married to Erica and lives in Satellite Beach, FL. Full bio.
Faith Challenge: Don’t let your treasures here on earth enslave you. Have the patience to recognize the true treasures in heaven.
Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, Priests for Life, Vatican, Project Rachel.
Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. LIFE Runners Creed. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
Feast Day: St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Faith Quote: “Don’t let the car fool you. My treasure is in heaven.” ~ Christian bumper sticker
Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22
* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion (images) is #1 death cause (22% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa.
* Evangelize: Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Mt 28:19.