The Price of Keeping Your Wealth

My aunt and uncle, who are in their early 90’s, are faced with whether to move into an assisted living facility, or hire a daily health care provider. The decision is made even more difficult because their home and outbuildings are packed with their life’s work and treasures, which they are not ready to completely get rid of. They are not rich by anyone’s standards; however, their treasures are their wealth. For them, disposing of their property causes the same grief that is found in the Parable of the Rich Young Man. Jesus said, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Matt 19:21-24 NIV).