Living our faith: Serving God

Photo by Elijah Pitchard / Upsplash

Matters of Faith

By Dr. Bascom Ratliff, pastor

Beagle, Fontana, Parker United Methodist Churches

Matthew 19: 16-30. Jesus answered, “if you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this he went away sad, because he had great wealth.“

This dialogue between Jesus and the young rich man can also be found in Mark, chapter 10 and Luke, chapter 18. Jesus goes on to point out that it is hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven because it is difficult for them to give up tangible treasures on earth for the promise of eternal life. However, Jesus is calling us to do just that. He is asking us to share our treasures, which include money, time, and stuff, with others. And, when we do so, he promises us treasures and (spiritual) gifts that are beyond value.

Today's message is about serving God with everything we've got. God doesn't really want our money. God wants our time, our loyalty, our faith, and our service. If we give these to God, our money as an obstacle of faith disappears. God wants us to do something with our faith. He wants us to live our faith by caring for others. I assume that because God created the earth and the universe (and us) that if he wanted mere material goods that he could simply speak the word and infinite wealth would be his. But no, what God wants is us. He wants all of us. He doesn't particularly want us to share our loyalty or allegiance to material stuff.

God simply wants us to do good. To help others. To care for the needy. To share the good news of Jesus Christ and the gift of eternal life. It is that simple. A simple faith that believes in God's promises and focuses on loving and caring and serving.

In our Scripture lesson today, the young rich man had great difficulty giving up his material wealth and following Jesus. This is an equally difficult challenge for us. What "stuff"are we hanging onto that is limiting or impairing our relationship with Jesus? What aspects of our life are presenting barriers or obstacles to following God?

Now might be a good time to re-think your spiritual inventory. What are you holding back from God. What are you not willing to sacrifice, or give up, to follow Jesus? Are we so wedded to material things or wealth that we cannot give them up, or sacrifice them, for God?

So, the challenge is to do a spiritual inventory. Do the inventory and ask yourself what you're willing to give up, or change in your life so that your relationship with God is more honest and humble.

For those that began a Lenten journey with Jesus, we have an opportunity to continue that journey. We can live our faith by serving God. We can follow Jesus and share the good news (and our stuff) with others. Its what God wants.

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If you are ready to worship and serve a loving God who welcomes everyone to his family, please come worship with us. We will give you a warm welcome, a hot/cold drink, and a homemade cookie. And, most important of all, we will give you an ample sample of God’s wonderful and unfailing love. We won’t ask you for money. We won’t ask you to change your life. We will share the good news of Jesus Christ and the wonderful life he offers to all of us.

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We will have Sunday morning services during the month June 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Parker United Methodist Church.

We will have Sunday morning services during the month of July 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Beagle United Methodist Church.

We will have Sunday morning services during the month August 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Fontana United Methodist Church.

We serve communion on the first Sunday of each month.

All are welcome in God’s House.  Come and celebrate with us.

Dr. Bascom Ratliff  (913-710-5748)

Pastor: Parker/Beagle/Fontana

United Methodist Churches