Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35 (NLT)
In the story of the Rich Young Ruler in the gospels, the ruler came to Jesus and asked him what he needed to do to be saved. Jesus cites the Commandments. The Rich Young Ruler asks which one. Jesus tells him and he says “But I’ve already done that.” Then Jesus takes it up a notch and tells him to sell everything he has and help the poor. At which point the Rich Young Ruler walks away.
You know, sometimes I identify with this man. I am doing everything I know to do to be a Christ Follower but there seems to be something missing. Deep in my soul I know there is more to this walk than just checking the boxes and following the rules. We were not designed to follow a list of rules but instead to be in a relationship with Jesus.
That relationship consists of conversations and a calling. The calling is more than tradition and things we do to feel good about ourselves. It is a real-life give and take where we step outside the box and into the deep waters. It is the place where we respond when Jesus he says “Follow me.” Stepping out of our comfort zone into the realm of difficult is where we find the fulfillment the Rich Young Ruler was looking for. It’s where we find our heart’s desire.
He knew there was more. We do too deep in our core. The question becomes when Jesus tells you what you need to do to discover what your heart is burning for, what will your answer be? Will you walk away like the Rich Young Ruler? Or will you stay and step into the deep?