Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said unto him" .... "if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
This passage of scripture contains a most important lesson for every person living on the planet, and it has to do with our eternal salvation, and the means whereby we obtain it. The question posed by the rich young ruler to Christ, is seriously flawed, even though it was asked in apparent sincerity. It suggests that the young man was interested in doing right in return for something of great value, a sort of investment strategy by which he could realize returns on the good deeds stipulated in the law. Now while it is true that the keeping of all of God's commandments is a must if we are ever to enter heaven, yet we should never keep them in order to enter heaven. If this approach is adopted we will fall into the snare of salvation based on good works, the means whereby many contemporary Christians are trying in vain to pass through the pearly gates. Let's read:
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Christians should not do right or anything good in exchange for something of value, for this is a pseudo type of charity born of selfish motives. We should do right because it is right and because the love of God and our fellowmen motivate us to do good. Now it is true that righteousness does not come naturally to any human being, and therefore we will often have to go against our own grain in order that it may be accomplished, but the driving motive should never ever be returns, for it will taint our service to God and man. Let's read:
Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
When Christ showed the young man his sore spot, which was his horizontal relationship with humanity, he began to weigh the pros and cons, the costs versus the benefits, and he finally arrived at the conclusion that heaven was not a good enough investment, and he went away sorrowful, never ever afterward to accept Christ's offer. Some of us as Christians keep the commandments of God strictly for material or health benefits, and when these are removed, the wind is also taken out of our sails. And others who are of other persuasions sometimes embark upon charitable deeds in order to offset the pride, greed, and love of self that is manifested in materialism and hoarding this worlds goods.
There are now over three hundred thousand different charities in existence right here in America, and although we are not to judge anyone's motives and intentions, yet many of them receive sizable tax write-offs every year, and are profited greatly by their benevolence. But a true Christian will serve God and man even when it involves serious loss to all of our material blessings. And even when punished for doing right, we should not become discouraged or sullen, because the joy of serving God and doing right is enough to keep us going. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which teaches us the attitude that should always be cultivated, and if it is accomplished in us through the grace and power of God, we will serve God, regardless of what the cost may be. Let's read:
Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. 36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!