Utah's Hope

Is it possible to have everything—and still be missing the one thing that matters most?

That’s not just a philosophical question. Scripture gives us real-life examples of people who appeared successful by every measure, yet walked away empty. On today’s episode, Bob Shank—founder of The Master’s Program—joins us to help unpack how Jesus challenges our definition of wealth and invites us into something far greater.

Across cultures, generations, and economic backgrounds, one desire seems to unite us all: the desire for more.

According to Bob Shank, that longing isn’t inherently sinful—it’s actually part of how God designed us.

From the beginning, God created humanity with a mindset of multiplication (Genesis 1:28). We were wired to grow, build, and increase. But sin distorts that desire, redirecting it toward the wrong things.

The problem isn’t the desire for more—it’s what we define as “more.” God calls us to pursue more of what truly satisfies: His presence, His purposes, and His Kingdom.

Even when people pursue wealth responsibly and achieve their financial goals, something often still feels incomplete.

Why? Because, as Bob explains, redemption reshapes our desires.

When the Holy Spirit renews our hearts, we begin to long for something this world cannot provide. What once satisfied us begins to feel insufficient. That lingering dissatisfaction isn’t a flaw—it’s a grace.

It’s God’s way of reminding us that we were made for more than material success. As Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has put eternity into man’s heart.”

Few stories capture this tension more clearly than the account of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16–22, Mark 10:17–22, Luke 18:18–23).

Here was a man who had everything—wealth, influence, and moral discipline. Yet he approached Jesus with a revealing question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

On the surface, it sounds like a spiritual question. But beneath it was something deeper—a longing that success had failed to satisfy.

Jesus’ response is both familiar and often misunderstood:

“Sell your possessions, give to the poor… and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21)

Most people focus on what the man was asked to give up. But just as important is what Jesus was offering: treasure in heaven.

Jesus wasn’t condemning wealth—He was redirecting it.

Bob Shank highlights a key insight: the word “treasure” in this passage points to abundance—something stored, secured, and lasting.

Jesus wasn’t asking the man to lose his wealth, but to relocate it.

Instead of storing up treasure in an uncertain, temporary world, Jesus invited him to invest in something eternal—something protected and secure. As Jesus teaches elsewhere:

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19–20)

The issue wasn’t possession—it was placement.

At the heart of this encounter is a foundational question: Who really owns your wealth?

Many of us live as though what we have is ours now, and someday it will belong to God. But Scripture paints a very different picture:

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” (Psalm 24:1)

Everything we have already belongs to Him. We are not owners—we are stewards. And what we do with God’s resources in this life has eternal significance.

This truth is reinforced in another parable: the rich fool (Luke

Lonely? There’s an app for that. AI companions promise instant connection, zero conflict, and someone who always says the right thing. No eye rolls. No baggage. No growth either. On FamilyLife Today, Dave and Ann Wilson talk with Ron Deal about how AI companions are reshaping marriages, parenting, and emotional intimacy. Before a chatbot becomes your safest relationship, find out what’s really at stake.

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Some people just want to try a little bit of Jesus. As though Christianity was one of the dishes at a religion buffet. “Give me just a small scoop of that. I just want to bring a smile to my face, not a change to my heart.” But when we truly invite Jesus in, He’ll make us new people, head to toe, free from the chains of our past. And today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us watch that moment of transformation in a man who’s best efforts had come up short.

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How do you teach your kids to have joy, even if your circumstances are rough right now? Danny shares how he learned about contentment from his grandpa. Plus, Jim Daly talks to Marcus Warner and Chris Coursey on how to find joy, even if you don't consider yourself a joyful person.

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Marriage isn’t built in a single defining moment—it’s formed in the everyday choices couples make with their words, their attitudes, and their actions. Dave and Ashley Willis join us to explore how small, intentional shifts in marriage can lead to lasting change. Drawing on Scripture and decades of family ministry experience, they offer practical tools to help you strengthen your connection and build a marriage that reflects Christ’s love.

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You can’t serve God and money (Matthew 6:24), but you can serve God with money. Most of us don’t wake up with the intent to serve money—but it’s easy for financial pressure and financial goals to quietly shape our lives. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Rob West explains how, through Scripture, we are freed to see money, not as something to chase, but as a tool God gives us to accomplish His purposes. Then, it’s on to calls. That’s Faith & Finance Live, biblical wisdom for your financial decisions. That’s weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio.

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