Rich Young Ruler Complex

Below is an excerpt from my newest book, "Treasure in the Meadow - Discovering Your Exceedingly Great Reward" coming out late 2026. This is from Chapter 2. I hope it speaks to you.

xxx

Mandy

Excerpt:

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. – 1 John 4:17

I remember a few years ago when the Lord challenged me about why He was worth giving up everything to find in the Meadow [secret place of encounter with Him]. At that time, my head said that I was willing to give up anything He asked of me, but His response to me was to read about the ‘rich young ruler’ and ask myself the question again. I had no idea just how many idols I had until that moment.

Much like the rich young ruler in Matthew 16, we sometimes find that we have many other treasures in our hearts that can become idols. Although we see the value of Jesus, our Treasure in the Meadow, we sometimes struggle to sell everything for that field. This is the conundrum we face – Jesus Himself is the only way to let go of these idols, and yet it is often the idols that keep us from fully discovering Him as the exceedingly great treasure.

Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” So, He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. – Matthew 19:16-22

We must pursue a consistent submission to Him of any rewards, crowns, treasures and possessions that we feel our hearts are attached to. A constant check up on our lives so that we can continue to release every great possession that may keep us from seeing and intimately knowing Jesus as our great Treasure.

Jesus is worthy of it all, the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45-46). Every other ‘treasure’ I have must consistently be brought to Him to be audited and yielded so that He can remain the One, true treasure that I seek. Anything that does not measure up must be burned up on His altar, as a sacrifice to Him. Only He can make beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3).

“I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you” (Psalm 16:2)

Thanks to ChatGPT for the image