“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, 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.’
When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, ‘Who then can be saved?’
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'”
It is not infrequent as we endeavor to share the gospel, to have someone say: “I have an open mind.” If one shares that answer, they gradually discover that as an answer, it is most probable that several things are indicated. One is that it might be so open that they are retaining that openness and never solidifying where they actually stand on most issues. Another is that the devil and his cohorts are standing ready to infiltrate that openness with as much delusion as possible. It could also indicate a guard against truth that would require a change in one’s life-style of which they want no part. The list could be expanded.
An excellent illustration of a person purported to have that type of “open mind” is found in Matthew 19:16-26. Here is a man who possessed everything that is needed in life. However, there was a longing in his heart to fix an unanswered question having to do with eternity. I have done everything that I believe I should do, namely I have kept the commandments that you have listed, “What am I still lacking?”
It is quite easy for a person of this persuasion, “You shall not commit murder; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself;” to look into the mirror of self-examination and conclude: “All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?”
Jesus gave the answer: “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” He left, still lacking.” His mind was open until that moment. Self-deceit was knocking at the door. He went away sorrowful!
Only the Holy Spirit can perform the impossible. Jesus noted: “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” If someone is knocking at the door of your mind, make sure it is the Holy Spirit. Open the door to Him only and allow Him to enter and you become His disciple. Don’t go away sorrowful!
ETCetera 