Simple Faith

Kingdom vs. Earthly Success

 In Mark 10:17-31, Jesus is interrupted by a startling question as He travels to Jerusalem. The synoptic writers identify this interruption as a rich young ruler (Matt 19:20, Luke 18:18). His body language only tells a story because he comes running and kneeling, as a sense of urgency. His opening inquiry is as follows: "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" This statement alone is ubiquitous for many individuals today. By framing this request with the verb “do,” this young man reveals a mindset that he must do something to earn a Kingdom inheritance.  Like so many today, the rich young ruler views the inheritance in the Afterlife as a transaction that one can secure only by merit and religious performance. How many individuals in our churches have testimonies that end like this, “I am trying to make it to heaven,” or “I am trying to stay saved, please pray for me,” out of habit, while knowing that you cannot earn salvation?  Usually, the average believer realizes that it is only by God’s grace that one is heaven-bound. However, work-righteousness remains a relevant choice because humanity leans toward independence rather than dependence.  By framing his quest around the verb "do," the rich young ruler reveals a works-righteousness understanding from the Law. Yet Jesus wants to transform the heart toward dependence rather than focus on your ability to achieve independence.

 Wealth as an Idol

Jesus initiates the transformation by genuinely loving him first, then identifying the one thing the rich young ruler lacked. The lack stems from the heart because Jesus requested that he should divest himself of his wealth. The young man’s countenance appears discontented while revealing an unusual attachment to his wealth. Why? If one is wealthy, does he need anything else? Notice that the ruler’s subsequent grief confirms that he depends on his wealth for survival, so his wealth has become an idol.

We can define an idol as any noun (person, place, or thing) that replaces God, and we become unwilling to depart from it. If such a noun rules your heart, then it replaces God. The Savior is not condemning his great possessions; when possessions remove your dependence on God, they become an idol requiring your full allegiance. For this reason, the young ruler could envision a life without his possessions.

 In 2010, Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Melinda French Gates co-founded The Giving Pledge, a campaign urging the world's wealthiest individuals to commit at least 50% of their fortune to philanthropic causes during their lifetimes or in their wills. As of late 2025, over 250 billionaires from 30 countries have signed the pledge. Even Warren Buffett himself pledged to donate over 99% of his wealth. (https://www.givingpledge.org)

Great Reversal

As believers, we must embrace a shift from ownership to stewardship. The understanding of Kingdom principles reminds us that we are not the lords of our possessions; instead, we are entrusted to manage God’s resources for His divine purpose. Such a shift in your mindset will lead to the Great Reversal.

31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.  (Mark 10:31 KJV)

 This principle, "the first shall be last, and the last shall be first," signifies that God is reversing our hearts. Earthly success is untransferable to spiritual success. Accumulation of wealth lacks any significance in the Kingdom. If this statement is true, why are we always seeking God's blessings (material blessings)? Yet Peter highlights that the disciples have left all to follow Jesus. Immediately, Jesus acknowledges their sacrifice and offers the Hundredfold Promise, then He concludes with the Great Reversal. In other words, believers who are prominent and cling to their dependence on possessions will find themselves last, while those who totally depend on God, like little children, will become first in the Kingdom.  

 The key takeaway is that salvation is a divine act, made possible only through God's power and grace. Believers will never become good enough through righteous deeds; therefore, they must exercise faith by loving and trusting in the Savior, who is truly good enough. Remember, salvation is impossible by human standards, but with God, all things are possible.