RENEW REFRESH REFOCUS
CASNFCI SCRIPTURE
& PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Jesus
looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. … — Mark 10:17-22.
My daughter Sarah often shares a challenge she’s taken on or progress she’s made. And then—being the detail-oriented person I am—I say, “That’s good, but there’s still one thing you haven’t done.” I’m not trying to ruin her joy. I’m simply telling her the truth. But I can see her face drop. Her excitement fades—not because I’m harsh, but because truth, even when sincere, can sting. But what I admire most about Sarah is her response. Rather than getting discouraged, she returns to her workspace, corrects that one thing, and then comes back—this time seeking my approval and hoping to hear, “Well done.” Her humility reminds me of something deeper.
This brings us to our passage for today the story of the rich young man. He came running to Jesus, full of admiration and sincerity. “Good Teacher,” he called Him. He too had made progress—kept the commandments. He was confident in his record. But Jesus saw beyond his answers. He saw his heart. And then came the piercing truth: “One thing you lack. Go, sell all you have, give to the poor… then come, follow Me.” And just like that, his joy disappeared. Scripture says, “He went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Jesus wasn’t condemning him. He was telling him the truth—the kind that sets us free. Sometimes the path to freedom passes through pain.
We all have a “one thing” we hold onto—our comfort, control, pride, or possessions. The question is: when Jesus points it out, what will we do? This is the will of God—that truth sanctifies us, not saddens us. “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). Do not walk away from the truth sorrowfully like the rich young man—but respond like Sarah: correct what’s lacking, return, and walk in the joy of the Lord.
PRAYER
Lord, help me surrender what I’m holding back. Give me courage
to accept truth and yield its fruit for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Rev. Isaac G. Y Bangalu