Text:
Matthew 19:16-23
Memory Verse:
“’I have obeyed all these commandments,’ the young man replied. ‘What else must I do?’” (Matthew 19:20,NLT).
Many people are getting disillusioned about life, especially against the backdrop of unrelenting global economic woes coupled with uninspiring socio-political dynamics. My recent interactions with young people reveal deep anxieties about life, generally. Some are finding it difficult to situate their faith in God alongside their inner fears. Others are simply confused and do not know where to get answers from. Matthew 19 tells us about a young man, who, by all standards, can be regarded as being successful, and living an enviable life of integrity and religiosity. One could describe him as living ‘the good life’. But there was a void. There was that void that all academic qualifications and training had not been able to fill.
You must realise that you cannot attain perfection by following some set of rules. Of course there are rules to follow to live, but they are not sufficient to make you perfect (Matthew 5:48). There is something you need to give up.Those things you have never considered could just turn out to be what you are required to give up and it could be anything!
Your self-validation and righteousness will not help you. It will only exacerbate the problem (Philippians 3:8). If you open up to Jesus, He will reveal to you through the Holy Spirit what you need to give up. Follow Jesus; He is the way, the truth and the life. He knows the way through the wilderness of life. Plant your feet in His footprints and you will never get it wrong.
Prayer Points:
1. Help me, Lord, to give up everything for the sake of Your kingdom.
2. May I not reject the way of the Lord to follow after my own wisdom.
