The Idol We Don’t Want To Talk About

"If God ever commands something from you, it's to exchange it for something better." – Pastor Matthew

Pastor Matthew opened the message in Matthew 19:16 and Matthew 6 with a foundational truth. When God asks us to surrender something, He always offers something better in return. There are no exceptions. This is an invitation to trust that His generosity is greater than our limited perspective. If we cling tightly to what we have, we may resist the very blessing God wants to place in our hands. This sets the stage for the story of the rich young ruler, a man who asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life but chose possessions over obedience.

The Gospel writers describe this man as wealthy, young, and powerful. He came to Jesus asking, “What good deed must I do to have eternal life?” Pastor Matthew noted how people still ask the same kind of question today, often framed as, “What do I need to do to get to heaven?” The man was thinking in terms of deeds and transactions, but Jesus reframed the conversation. He spoke not only of eternal life, but also of entering into life, the kingdom of heaven, and salvation. These are different words for the same reality: knowing God, being reconciled to Him, and living in His kingdom forever.

Before giving a direct command, Jesus pressed the man’s perspective. “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good.” Pastor Matthew explained that Jesus wanted him to see that only God defines what is truly good. Was the man viewing Jesus as just another wise teacher, or was he acknowledging Him as Lord? This is the same question every disciple must answer. If Jesus is God, then He has authority to define what is good and to command our lives. Our obedience is not optional advice; it is surrender to the one who holds life.

When told to keep the commandments, the man asked, “Which ones?” Pastor Matthew pointed out how odd this is, like a new employee asking which company rules really matter, or a child asking which household rules can be ignored. Jesus listed commandments about honesty, purity, honoring parents, and loving others. The man confidently said he had kept them, but still he asked, “What do I still lack?” Pastor Matthew suggested this revealed the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Deep down, he knew something was missing. Sometimes God stirs our hearts in this same way, pressing us toward surrender we have not yet given.

Jesus gave him a specific command: “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess, give to the poor, and come follow me.” The call was clear, sell, give, follow. Yet instead of rejoicing, the man walked away sorrowful, because he had great possessions. Pastor Matthew called this one of the saddest verses in the Bible. Jesus offered him a life of discipleship, the chance to walk with the Son of God and make an eternal difference, but he chose wealth instead. He believed his possessions could give him more security, more identity, and more comfort than Jesus could.

Jesus turned to His disciples and said, “Only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Pastor Matthew explained that wealth is not evil in itself, but it is powerful. It can grip the heart so tightly that it becomes an idol, promising safety and status while drawing us away from God. This is why Jesus spoke with such vivid language. Possessions are not neutral, they are tied directly to our hearts.

Turning to Matthew 6, Pastor Matthew showed how Jesus taught that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” He used a visual: our hearts and our finances are tied together like two hands that cannot be separated. Wherever we put our money, our hearts go with it. If we invest in houses, clothes, cars, or savings, part of our heart is wrapped up there. But when we give to God, our hearts move toward Him. Giving is not just about money, it is about loyalty. Jesus said we cannot serve both God and mammon, because one will always take priority.

Pastor Matthew shared his testimony of giving from childhood. He learned to tithe even on small allowances, and over time God proved Himself faithful again and again. He described seasons of transition when finances were tight, yet God always provided. He has continued to give not only tithes but also first fruits, offering the first portion to God before any other expense. He reminded the church that the first portion is always the faith portion, it declares trust that God can do more with the rest than we could do with it all.

Generosity transforms the giver. It disciplines the heart, increases faith, and reorders priorities. But it also expands the work of God’s kingdom. Because people gave, the Tree Church has been able to minister in Lancaster for decades and has now expanded into Logan, where lives are being changed each week. Giving to the church and to those in need allows people to experience God’s care in tangible ways. When someone’s needs are met, it testifies that God sees them and loves them.

The disciples reminded Jesus of their sacrifices, and He promised that those who give up much for His sake will receive abundantly in this life and in eternity. Yet He ended with a sobering warning: many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. The ones who chase after their own kingdom may lose everything, while those who humbly give all to God will be honored. Pastor Matthew closed by urging reflection: what are we holding back? God is not trying to take from us, He is trying to give us something better.