Think about this. The children of Israel were determined to be God’s chosen people, rulers of the world, as they saw themselves, on their own terms. This led them to refuse Jesus as the Messiah. Further still, it led them to kill Him. There are people today, all over the world, who feel the same way and they exist even in our church. They want to go to heaven, but on their terms.
Imagine giving up heaven for a job that pays six figures and allows a person to travel all over the world on the company’s dime, but requires that he work one Sabbath a month. Or, not paying tithe for a long time to save up for that fancy sports car he has always wanted? Or, giving up heaven because he can’t give up that cup of coffee or latté? What about a big juicy steak with some equally juicy jumbo shrimp on the side? Or, a handful of M&Ms, a bowl of macaroni and cheese. Or, giving up heaven for your spouse or child?
Friends, it isn’t about what we give up, it’s the giving up—obedience or disobedience. The Bible tells us that there is nothing we should put ahead of God, not even our family. We can rationalize all we want, but just because we need a home doesn’t mean we have to buy a mansion. We need transportation, but we don’t need a Rolls Royce. We need food, but we need to consume food that is healthy for our bodies, and does not make us crave “the fleshpots of Egypt.” We need clothes, but we don’t need to spend thousands of dollars for the latest fashions so that we can fit in with the world. What keeps me from God, doesn’t have to be big; just that little darling sin I can’t seem to let go of.
“The Saviour of the world … laid aside His glory and clothed His divinity with humanity. He became the meek and lowly Jesus. He left His riches and glory in heaven and became poor that we, through His poverty, might be made rich. … But selfish men will repine and murmur if called to leave their little earthly treasure for Christ’s sake … ! No one can appreciate the blessings of redemption unless he feels that he can joyfully afford to make any and every sacrifice for the love of Christ. …
“You know but little of real sacrifice and genuine denial of self. … The young man who asked Jesus what he should do that he might have eternal life was answered: ‘Keep the commandments.’
“He confidently and proudly replied: ‘All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?’ Jesus looked pityingly upon the young man; He loved him, and He knew the words He spoke would forever separate the youth from Himself. Nevertheless, Jesus touched the plague spot of his soul. He said to him: ‘Go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me.’ The young man wanted heaven, but not enough to withdraw his affections from his earthly treasure. … His decision was to give up heaven and to cling to his earthly treasure. How many are now making the very same decision which fixed the destiny of this young man?” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, 219, 220