Being Prepared for Impromptu Conversations

The other day, I had a conversation with a man standing firmly atop of his personal successes. He told me a lot about what great things he had done and what greater things he could do. The Parable of the Rich Young Ruler came to mind. Before me sat a man who had everything, yet at the same time had nothing. It pained my heart and grieved my mind.

When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”But when he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy.

Luke 18:22-23 (NIV)

Being familiar with the passage, you will recall that the Rich Young Ruler faced a pivotal spiritual moment. Since his youth, he meticulously followed everything the commandments told him to do. As he asks our Lord and Savior how he can inherit eternal life, Jesus points out the one thing he lacks: the willingness to detach from his worldly wealth and follow Him.

The man sitting before me shared about all the famous people he knew and how he had made himself a big success. He never once asked about me or my experiences. I got the sense that he was used to conversations where he played the starring role. It was clear that I played a cameo role in his life movie. In his defense, he did share how he had great respect for me and the work I was doing.

I asked him about his relationship with Jesus. The man hesitated slightly before sharing that it was complicated, but he respected my right to believe what I believed. However, he was uncertain it was for him. That faith had been a struggle for him was evident by his body posture and how he spoke about it. He touted how he was a good person, a good human being, and shared about the things he had done to make a difference in the lives of others, including famous people that I might even know. All of which, I have no doubt is true.

I grieved his distance from Jesus, who I knew, through the Holy Spirit, was present in the room ready to receive him. But, like the rich young ruler, he walked away living Jesus behind.

The Parable of the Rich, Young Ruler isn’t simply about the physical act of selling possessions. It is also a profound call to prioritize our spiritual journey over earthly treasures.

Having everything and lacking Jesus equates to having nothing.

Jesus invites us to consider what we are holding onto that prevents us from fully following Him.

What is that for you?

This parable serves as a reminder that our greatest treasure is found not in the material possessions we own but in our relationship with God, through His son Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit.

My interaction with the man sitting across from me did not end how I had hoped. It wasn’t a conversation that had been booked on my calendar. It came, as they often do, impromptu due to needing to address a problem or face an issue. Over time, I’ve learned this is usually how God provides me with the greatest opportunity to share the Gospel with another person—one conversation at a time.

I pray that this post enlightens you and encourages you. Pray for this man. Pray for me.

This is a big week for me, personally. Tomorrow I celebrate 29 years of recovery. On Tuesday, I hang my art show.

Know you are loved.

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™