Do Not Go Away Sad . . . (This sermon uses a film clip from Labyrinth. In this fantasy film Sarah is young girl trying to rescue her baby brother from the Golin King. In the scene Sarah has fallen into a junkyard and meets a strange creature who tempts her to forget all about her mission and be comforted and lulled by precious material possessions. The possessions actually form a shell on the back of the creature.)

I. Scripture Reading

A. Micah 6:6-8
B. Matthew 19:16-26

II. What Does God Require of Us?

A. Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly with God
B. Sell your possessions, give to the poor, follow Jesus

1. In the movie clip, Sarah became so distracted by the possessions that loved, that she almost forgot her mission to free her baby brother.

C. We are also required to give up non-material things that hold us back from following Jesus

1. comfort, apathy, status, luxury
2. sins which separate us from God and present a poor example to others. Gossip, addiction, anger, prejudice, self-pity

D. Give up whatever is keeping you from following Christ

III. But I am weak….

A. Read Poem: Dear Lord, so far today, God, I've done alright. I haven't gossiped, I haven't lost my temper, haven't been greedy, nasty, selfish or over-indulgent. I'm really glad about that ... but in a few minutes, Lord, I'll be getting out of bed, and from then on I'm probably going to need a lot more help. Amen.
B. Man cannot do it alone
C. With God all things are possible

IV. We are required to give up whatever keep us from following Jesus – material objects or behaviors – we cannot do this alone, but with God all things are possible. There is no need to go away sad.

V. If you have a habit or possession that you are having trouble giving up – feel free to come up front, or kneel at the altar rail and someone will pray with you.

VI. Prayer Wisdom to see what’s holding us back, courage to decide to give it up, strength to persevere, peace knowing that God is taking care of it!