The Orange County Pastor Tries to Explain Jesus' Command to the Rich Young Ruler

"Jesus said to him, 'If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give them to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.' But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieved; for he was one who owned much property."

--Matthew 19:21-22

You have to take it in context, of course.

Money was this guy's God, so there's that.

Presumably, because you are here, in church, money is not your God. God is your God, right?

It's totally okay for you to drive that Lexus. You worked hard for it. Just don't forget to tithe, okay?

And that expensive suburban house, well, the rich young ruler's home was probably way nicer, so don't feel too bad. You believe in Jesus, right? You should be fine.

It's not what you do; it's what you believe. That's the main point.

And that job you work, the one where your goal is to make a lot of money, well, this is America, right?

It's not how much money you have; it's what you do with it. I'm sure, as Christians, you are doing the best you can.

On your way out, be sure to sign up for our Winter Retreat. This year, we're going to Big Bear! Bring your snowboards!