Jesus tells us four things about heaven: 1) we must keep God’s commandments if we want to enter heaven, 2) it is difficult for a rich person to enter heaven because they value money more than God, 3) it is only possible to enter heaven by the grace of God, and 4) those who give up everything to serve God will be greatly rewarded in heaven. The rich person in this story is doing the right things, but his heart is in the wrong place. His possessions are more important than his relationship with God. Jesus doesn’t want everyone to sell all they have; wealth can be good when it is used properly. But Jesus does want us to desire God in heaven more than things of the earth.
Lord, help me to desire you more than money and possessions; and demonstrate my desire by following your commandments.
Reflections on the Word of God 