Matthew 19:16-30

Matthew 19:16 - 30

When we try to live life on our terms we are always disappointed. Looking for loopholes is one example of trying to live life on our terms. The Rich Young Ruler is the second example. The first question begins with himself, “What shall I do?” He was the star of the story. He may have hoped for a call to an act of great generosity. Very likely many people asking for donations had hit him up. Jesus begins by taking the focus off of him and putting it on God the only One who is truly good. In his reply Jesus does not mention the commandment to not covet. The Ten Commandments all are externally measurable except for the prohibition of coveting. The other nine can be superficially acted out but this coveting issue is a heart issue. The rich man had one issue that was unresolved. Jesus and His call for him to sell and give and follow were going to the one place where the young man had not yet surrendered to God. If you want to be perfect or complete go to the place in your life where you want to live life on your terms and in that place give it all to follow Jesus.

But even the call for the liquidation of assets and the distribution to the poor could still be in the realm of living life on his terms. He could become the president of a philanthropic charity. He would still be the star of the show, the hero of the story. But Jesus calls for the young man to leave it all behind. To follow Jesus so that Jesus becomes the focus of his life, not his money nor himself. Anywhere we live or attempt to live life on our terms we are set up for disappointment. When we live life on His terms and for Him we gain a reward greater than all the wealth of the world; Jesus.

"Lord God save me from myself, from wanting to be the hero of my story. AMEN"