Good Teacher

Good Teacher

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“As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother,””

Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭17‬-‭19‬, ‭NIV‬‬.

The story of the rich young ruler touches my heart. I was born in California into a teacher’s family with four brothers and sisters. Moderate income for sure, but we were never without. We had a house, shoes, food, schooling and yes, debt. But compared to others in our world, we were rich. Not as wealthy as some, but definitely better off than others.

I, like the rich young ruler, agreed that I have kept the commandments—but have you noticed that Jesus asks if the young ruler had obeyed only the second half of the list? The things we should not do to each other (Exodus 20).

The first four of the ten commandments are for God—

-No gods before Me

-No graven images

-Do not misuse My Name

-Keep the Sabbath

These commandments require a surrender of all of our hearts. A God and God alone devotion. An obedience to all of what He has said, not just a portion that’s manageable.

The young ruler had much to surrender for his pockets were heavy with gold.

Many believed that God blesses the rich. That they have a special place in heaven due to their bank accounts. That being rich is evidence of God’s grace.

Yet, Jesus wanted the man to sell all he had and follow Him. Leaving the man penniless, yet he would receive the true blessing of God. However, it would mean a mighty sacrifice—both socially and financially. His status would be gone, too. To the outside world, the rich young ruler’s heavenly blessings would vanish.

Take away their money, and you’re taking away their blessing. Who then,

if not the rich people, can get into heaven?

It’s why Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God,” Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭25‬, NIV‬‬.

When Jesus turned the man’s attention to giving up all for God, he walked away. But isn’t that what God asks from us all? Surrender all—make Me number One. Above your status, before your goals, reputation, job title, and resources. All.

Give up your pride, greed, lust, desires, give up your way, and choose My way. All.

It didn’t matter if I wasn’t rich like the rich young ruler, to surrender all was a challenge. Because I was rich in myself. I put myself before God, my way, my wants, my desires came first. I loved God—my way. As long as His narrative fit mine—we were good.

But Jesus said, only God is good.

So, I surrendered to His goodness and have never regretted it.

A surrendered heart doesn’t necessarily mean an empty bank account. But a surrendered bank account turns the owner into a manager for God’s sake.

His ways are just better. Always.

How are you doing in your pursuit of our Father? What’s in your bank account? An offering or a saving?

(Please feel free to comment below. It's one way we can learn from each other.)

Father,

Your will be done is an on-going prayer of mine. I need this daily reminder to keep me humble, keep me obedient and to serve You with my all.

I am so thankful that through the years You have taught me that my sacrifice pales in comparison with Your true blessing. A relationship with You. You are worthy of my time, talent, bank accounts, and self.

When I surrender and step near to You, You have never failed to draw near to me. Your presence and peace are worth it all.

Thank You.

Amen.