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It's not what you say that matters most it's what you do because it reveals what you believe. We can accept the gift and reject the Giver by merely valuing the gift above the Giver.
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Being a disciple requires that we manage (steward) everything God has entrusted to us His way. Money is a test of our commitment and love for God, but so is every other thing God has given to us. The Bible is clear that if you love the world, the love of The Father (God) cannot reside in you. Whatever person, place, or thing one allows to have priority and influence in their life above God will keep them from being a faithful disciple of Christ. For some, it's a relationship or a career. Many things in this world hinder people from fully committing to God wealth is just one of them. To forsake his way and embrace God's way. The one thing in his life keeping him from his steadfast love for God was his possessions, so Jesus tells him to give them up, and this time make a genuine commitment to follow him. It is here when Jesus points to the real issue, the young man's self-reliance, and his lack of devotion to God.
Rich young ruler how to#
The commandments that Jesus emphasized were all about how to treat other people, to which he responds, "All these things I have kept from my youth. The young ruler asked, "What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" (Matthew 19:16) Having done everything he thought he could do to gain eternal life, he still felt like he was falling short of obtaining it. The focus of this text is not about riches it's about salvation. Some well-meaning Christians use this text to vilify riches as something to be avoided or to propagate the notion that Christians should give everything away, but that's not what Jesus was saying here. Wealth and riches can hinder a person from entering into everlasting life, but that's not the main point of this story. He thought he was doing all the right things on the outside, following all the commandments, yet his heart was wrapped up in his wealth, which he valued more than God. This, of course, addressed the tenth commandment, covetousness, and greed, which reveals the real issue this ruler was dealing with. He has to sell everything, give to the poor, and follow him. Jesus then tells him that there's one other thing he must do. He responds by telling Jesus that he has kept all of these since childhood, which is doubtful.
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When the young ruler asks Jesus what he should do to obtain eternal life, Jesus tells him to obey the seventh, sixth, eighth, ninth, and fifth commandments. The question quoted earlier was asked of Jesus in the parable of the rich young ruler found in three of the four gospels. Instead, his allegiance, his commitment, and devotion are to the master. At no point on the journey does the disciple go off and do things of his choosing. What He says is ultimately the truth he embraces and the direction the disciple will take. A disciple declares that life's path is not of his choosing, but that of his master, Jesus. A disciple is a follower, in this case, it’s being a follower of Christ. The best biblical definition of someone who accepts this way of life is a disciple. It requires that we live and follow God's commandments, to live according to His ways.
Rich young ruler license#
But, being saved by grace is not a license to live any way we want. Mature Christians understand that you cannot "do" anything to earn eternal life. In your desire to be good and pleased to God, you've wondered, am I doing the right things to ensure my eternal future? You've probably asked or thought about that question yourself. "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" That's an excellent question! Be honest.