We are all on different jouneys in life, so at different times, we may turn our backs on the earthly pursuits and adopt the christain values.

This parable encourages all of us to change course either early or late. The end result is the important goal.

Jesus wanted the rich man to evaluate his most important goal i.e. to be wealthy or a follower of Jesus.

The rich man chose the riches since with  these riches, he was considered important and was able to afford anything.  Without the riches, the man needed to start from the beginning like everybody else.