Many Christians think they’ve dedicated their lives to the Lord, but they haven’t given up the rights to certain parts of their lives. They haven’t dealt with certain sins. They’ve gone three-quarters of the way up Calvary’s hill, but they stopped short of the cross.

In the Bible, Jesus had an encounter with a rich young ruler, which highlights this mindset. From a human point of view, this rich man had it made. He was young and had inherited a lot of wealth and power. He had even kept the commands in the Old Testament since his childhood, so it looked as if he was a perfect example of a Christian. But in Mark 10:21, when Jesus challenged the man to “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor” the man simply could not. The man’s security rested in his wealth. His money was his crutch. It was the area of his life that he simply could not, would not give up. So he walked away sad from the Lord Jesus Christ.

As you hear this message, consider what you may be holding back from God. Are there certain habits, or secret struggles that are defining you? Do you put your value in money, or people, or comfort? Pray about what God is calling you to do, then obey Him courageously. Nothing is better than a genuine, surrendered relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is Luis Palau.