Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

Jesus calls the attention of this young man
directly to the defect in his character. He cites His
own self-denying, cross-bearing life. He had left
everything for the salvation of man, and He
entreated the young man to come and imitate His
example, and assured him that he should have
treasure in heaven. Did the heart of the young man
leap with joy at this assurance that he should
indeed have treasure in heaven? Oh, no! His
earthly treasures were his idol; they eclipsed the
value of the eternal inheritance. He turns from the
cross, turns from the self-sacrificing life of the
Redeemer, to this world. He has a lingering desire
for the heavenly inheritance, yet he reluctantly
turns from the prospect. It cost a struggle to decide
which he should choose, but he finally decided to
continue his love for his earthly treasures.
This young man had great possessions, and his
heart was set upon them. He could not consent to
transfer his treasures to heaven by withdrawing his
affections from them and doing good with them—
blessing the widow and fatherless, and thus being
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