Misplaced Resonance

I recently wrote about the word resonate and what Google says it means. It’s an emotional attachment either within or outside of ourselves. Sometimes it’s positive; other times negative! Either way, it often produces a surge of emotion that leads to some action.

Do you remember the story of the rich young ruler? The title of the story itself is very informing; he’s young and rich. I’m sure that resonates with most of us! Not because it’s the life we’re living as much as the life we aspire to live! He’s also respectful and morally astute. He addressed Jesus as “Good Teacher” and assured Jesus of his ability to keep the Law. 

Here’s the problem with misplaced resonance. Sometimes our heart and emotions resonate with substitutes that are in competition with the pure sound of the perfect melody of God’s Word. This young man heard the Law and even heeded to the letter of the Law. He had kept all the commands since he was a youth. But he never quite connected to the heart of the Law. 

Jesus said, ‘but there’s one thing you lack…’ 

It’s easy to believe that if there’s only one correction that we need to make in our lives that we’re pretty much nailing it on the whole with our lives. But Jesus is about to address the quality of the resonance of his life; not the quantity. Jesus’s request is simple [though perhaps not easy]; ‘sell all your possessions and follow Me.’ 

It’s there that the young man has a decision to make; embrace his current identity or declare a new one. What resonates with his heart more — the reverberating sound coined by all of his possessions or the reverberating sound of Jesus’s invitation to follow Him? 

This is one of the most disheartening phrases in the Bible. ‘But the man was saddened at Jesus’ words, and he left grieving, because he owned much property and had many possessions [which he treasured more than his relationship with God] (Mark 10:22, AMP).

Does your life resonate with that of the rich young ruler? Do you find yourself struggling to connect with the words of Christ because the melody of the world seems so enticing?

Let this be an exercise of reflection, repentance, and praise. Seek forgiveness for areas of resonance not pleasing to God. Praise God for areas of resonance that are aligned with His Word and His will for your life.