What’s Consuming You

 [17] And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? [18] And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is , God. [19] Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. [20] And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. [21] Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. [22] And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. [23] And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! [24] And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! [25] It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.  Mark 10:17-25 KJVS

For this young man, giving up his possessions was asking too much for him. Is it asking too much of us to give up something we possess-something we cherish? What is consuming us? For some, money consumes them. They feel that money will keep them afloat. While money does pay the bills, money is gifted from God to us. He is the ultimate provider for our needs.
For others, their lifestyle consumes them. Living a carefree life provides them w/ joy. I can honestly say that it is empty joy as true joy comes from the Lord Himself. (See Galatians 5:22-23).  No matter what is consuming them, it is driving them away from the Lord. The Lord wants us to draw near to Him (James 5:8). He wants us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, & follow Him (Matthew 16:24). God wants a relationship w/ us. There need not be any distractions. Whatever is consuming our time, we need to get rid of it. A time well consumed is a time spent w/ the Lord.
Trust the Bible, following Jesus & denying ourselves will be well worth it in the end.
God Bless!