Scripture:
Mark 10:24
24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!"

One day in Jesus' travels, as He was on the road, He encountered a rich young ruler who asked Him, "What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Jesus responded by telling him to keep the commandments, to which the young man replied, "All these things I have kept from my youth." But Jesus saw something in him: the "One Thing" that was keeping him from truly surrendering his life to God.

I recently heard a short by Josh Howerton on this very passage, and I loved the possibility he raised. He asked, what if this young man had been obedient in that one thing? Might he have become the thirteenth disciple? Might he have written an epistle, so that you and I would be touched by his walk with Jesus, his words ringing with the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives?

The point is this: What is the "One Thing" holding you back from the greatness God has for you? What do you have a death grip on that is keeping you from living a fully surrendered, empowered life in Christ?

Today, our God-Shot is more of a self-examination. We examine our hearts and ask, "What is my barrier? What am I withholding from Him? What am I trusting more than I trust Him?" Pause today and think about your priorities. When you stand before your Maker, will those things still matter? Then ask yourself why they hold greater priority in your life right now. For the rich young ruler, it was wealth. What is it for you?

Lord, I pray that this morning You would reveal the "One Thing" that stands in our way: the thing that keeps us from being great, from becoming what You have called us to be, and from being fully committed to You. What stands in my way? Is it my priorities, my job, my school, my gym, my hobbies? What carries greater weight than You in my life? Reveal it, Lord. Help us look honestly at our lives, surrender that thing to You, pick up our cross, and follow You. In Jesus' name, Amen!