2026 Reading Plan Reflections - Day 29

Forgiveness. Relationships. Wealth.
Once again, Jesus meets us right in the middle of ordinary life.

As Matthew’s Gospel unfolds, a clear pattern emerges: the very things God provides—relationships, stability, resources, success—can quietly become the things that compete with our relationship with God. Not because they are evil, but because they are powerful distractions.

Jesus’ encounter with the rich young ruler brings this tension into sharp focus. Let’s be honest—there weren’t many people like him wandering around first-century Judea. He was exceptional. Moral. Disciplined. Sincere. He had obeyed the commandments. He had done the “right things.” And yet, he knew something was missing.

Here’s the hard truth: rule-keeping is not the same as relationship.

The young man wanted eternal life, but he also wanted to keep control of what gave him security and status. When Jesus exposed the competing allegiance—his wealth—he walked away disappointed. Not angry. Not rebellious. Just unwilling to surrender the thing that owned his heart.

This is an area of critical reflection...

If we think an hour or two a week in worship is enough to counter the pull of the other 166 hours, we’re kidding ourselves. Discipleship doesn’t happen by accident. Formation doesn’t happen by default. What we repeatedly give our time, energy, and affection to will eventually shape us.

Holiness isn’t about avoiding bad behavior—it’s about undivided love. Entire devotion. A heart being steadily reordered toward God. Grace invites us not just to obey Jesus, but to trust Him enough to let go of whatever competes for first place.

The question Jesus leaves us with is simple, but costly:
What are you holding onto that keeps you from fully following?

Name the distraction. Ask honestly: What consistently pulls my attention, affection, or trust away from God—comfort, success, control, finances, relationships?
Examine your time. Look at how your week is actually spent. Formation follows repetition. What is shaping you most right now?
Practice surrender in one concrete way. Choose a small, tangible act of trust this week—generosity, simplicity, obedience, or saying no to something that has too much power.
Pray this prayer: “Lord, show me what I’m clinging to. Give me grace not just to obey You, but to trust You. Reorder my loves so that nothing comes before You. Amen.”