What do I lack?

Many folks today think they are pretty good people. They read their bibles, go to church, help their neighbors, don't lie, don't cheat, don't steal, just down right good folks. This is awesome! We need more people like this. Bu there is one problem....they still lack something for eternal life. Check this guy out:



Matthew 19:16-22



Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler

16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”

17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

18 He said to Him, “Which ones?”

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 your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”

21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.



First, I want you to notice that this man knows he is lacking something. This is called conviction. I believe the Holy Spirit has come upon this young man and convicted him that he was not right with God. So he went to Jesus to find out what he lacked!



Second, Jesus lets him know up front, he is a sinner by telling him their is only ONE who is good and that is God! Nothing we can do to make ourselves good on our own!



Third, next Jesus tells him to keep the commandments, which if one could do perfectly would make him right with God. We all know it is impossible to live a perfect life which this young ruler says he has done since his youth, which is a lie right there!



Fourth, The young man asks again what do I lack and Jesus knowing what is keeping him form totally surrendering to God (his riches) tells his to sell all and give i to the poor and follow Him. The young man couldn't give the riches up and walks away. Notice, the young man is sorrowful but not sorrowful enough to give up the sin that has a hold on his life!



Now before we shake our heads at the young ruler we better examine our own lives and see if there is something lacking in our own lives. Is there something that is keeping you from total surrender to Jesus. Come to Jesus! He will help you give up what ever it is. He loves you and knows what is best for each of us. This sin for the young ruler cost him eternal life, my friend there is nothing in life more valuable that a relationship with Jesus! Come find out for yourself.



As always if I can assist you in anyway, just message me. I am here for you anytime my friend!



Tom