Matthew 19:16‭-‬22 NLT Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” the man asked. And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?” Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

He didn’t have great possessions. Great possessions had him.

If God gave you 4 million dollars, could you give it all away the same day? If He gave you a new car, debt-free, could you give it away within a week to the Kingdom of God? That new purse or outfit you just received on your birthday, could you give it to your friend as God leads?

These are the hard questions we must ask ourselves to determine if God means more to us than possessions. If we can’t follow God’s instructions and give something away, that possession has become our idol.

Some of us are believing God for certain things, but why would God give us something that would have us in bondage? Why would He give us something that means more to us than Him? We must spiritually mature in Him and make Him the priority over possessions.

When (not if) God instructs us to give something meaningful away, we have a promise. Whatever God instructs us to give will not only be given back to us, but it will be multiplied (read Luke 6:38).