Money has always fascinated me. It’s a tool, a resource, and, when used wisely, a blessing. I’ve spent years guiding people toward financial empowerment, but there’s one biblical story that keeps me grounded: the encounter between Jesus and the rich young man in Matthew 19:16–22.

If you’re familiar with the story, you know it’s a sobering one. A wealthy man approaches Jesus and asks, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus responds by pointing him to the commandments, and the young man confidently claims he’s kept them all. But then comes the challenge:

“If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21)

The rich young ruler walks away sorrowful because, as the passage notes, “he had great possessions.”

When I first read this story, it was easy to think, “I’m not like him. I don’t have great possessions.” But the more I reflected on it, the more I realized how much this story speaks to all of us—regardless of how much money we have.

The Grip of Wealth

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that wealth is more than just money in the bank; it’s anything that takes up residence in our hearts. For the rich young ruler, his wealth wasn’t just a possession—it was his identity, his comfort, and his security.

I’ve asked myself: What’s my version of “great possessions”? Is it my career? My reputation? My financial stability? These aren’t bad things in themselves, but when they start to hold me back from fully trusting God, they become obstacles.

Money as a Heart Check

This story forces us to confront a tough question: If Jesus asked me to let go of something precious, would I? For many of us, money is the ultimate heart check. We work hard to save, invest, and build wealth, but it’s easy to forget that everything we have comes from God and belongs to Him.

As someone who advocates financial literacy, I’ve seen how money can either free us or enslave us. The key lies in our relationship with it. Are we using money as a tool to serve God, or is it subtly becoming our master?

Treasure in Heaven

Jesus’ words about treasure in heaven resonate deeply with me. It’s a reminder that true wealth isn’t measured in pesos or dollars—it’s found in the impact we make and the lives we touch. When we give generously, help others, and prioritize God’s kingdom, we’re investing in something eternal.

This doesn’t mean we should neglect wise financial planning. On the contrary, being a good steward of our resources allows us to give and serve more effectively. But it does mean we need to regularly evaluate our priorities. Are we accumulating wealth for ourselves, or are we using it to glorify God?

Walking Away Sorrowful

The part of the story that haunts me is how the rich young ruler walked away. He wanted eternal life, but he wasn’t willing to pay the price. I often wonder: How many times have I walked away from God’s call because it felt too costly?

As I reflect on this, I’m reminded that following Jesus often requires sacrifice. But every time I’ve let go of something I was clinging to—whether it was financial security, pride, or comfort—I’ve found that God’s blessings far outweighed the cost.

My 2 cents

The Parable of the Rich Young Ruler isn’t just about money; it’s about the condition of our hearts. For me, it’s a reminder to hold everything loosely—my finances, my career, my plans—and to trust that God’s plans are always better than mine.

If you’re on a financial journey like I am, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect. What are you holding onto too tightly? What would it look like to trust God more fully with your resources?

Let’s not walk away sorrowful. Instead, let’s walk toward the joy and freedom that come from following Jesus with everything we have.

What’s your “great possession,” and how can you surrender it to God? I’d love to hear your thoughts and reflections.