What Should I Do?

At times when we think we are doing well, perhaps we would be wise to look closer at our life. It is far too easy to validate our daily actions as being very holy and get comfortable with where we are. When such is the feeling it is a good time to do some honest soul searching to see what it is we might still lack.

Jesus was approached by one who seemed to have thought his life was going pretty well. However, he did ask Jesus what he needed to do to have eternal life. ( Matthew 19:16) As Jesus pointed this young man’s attention toward the commandments, he asked for more specifics.

We read…
“(18) He said to him, ‘WHICH ONES?’ And Jesus said, ‘You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, (19) Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” ( Matthew 19:18-19 ESV)

We would all most likely agree that one whose life was marked by obedience to such commands was living a good life. This young man felt he had been following them. Perhaps Jesus’ statement made him feel his life must be on target. Nevertheless, this man’s questioning went a little deep.

Picking up the narration we read…
“(20) The young man said to him, ‘All these I have kept. WHAT DO I STILL LACK?’ (21) Jesus said to him, ‘If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’” ( Matthew 19:20-21 ESV)

When I consider the focus Jesus pointed this young man toward, the first statement directed him to consider how he treated others. Such can be done without any real sacrifice. It is very possible to live a “good” life and not be a “law breaker” and yet not be fully pleasing to God. The second statement directed attention toward a deeper level of sacrifice and a willingness to meet the needs of others. The sad note on which this encounter ended is that this young man was not yet willing to give up his possessions.

Had we encountered Jesus, what would He have noted was still lacking in our life? Though we may be growing spiritually, bit by bit and level by level, what is it that we are still reluctant to release in order to MORE FULLY follow Jesus? I dare say that once we recognize what that is and begin to get it right, God will graciously reveal to us the next thing we need to work on. And such is the continual process of growing more and more into the likeness of Christ that God desires us to share. May we continually be open to learning that which will help us become BETTER SERVANTS of God.

Have a great day CONTINUING DEEPER INTO THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST!
Carl

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