“Perfection is not a life free of sin or temptation but is the whole of life oriented to Christ and his kingdom.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 10, 2022
The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Matthew 19:20-21, ESV
Though often remembered as a disappointment or failure of discipleship, the rich young ruler of Matthew 19 is in many ways the model church member. Kind and respectful, this accomplished and successful man was a model citizen and respected by all. Additionally, he gave himself not only to his business pursuits but was concerned with the need to live a faithful and devout life, eagerly seeking to follow the commands of God. To use modern imagery, he would have been sought out as a Sunday School leader, a ministry coordinator, or a parish board member. His considerable wealth would also have meant an ability to financially support and underwrite the important ministries of the church to the poor and needy. Simply put, what’s not to like?
In Jesus’ response to this man, we are reminded that God is far more concerned with the healing of your whole person than he is isolated acts of obedience or rigid observance of the law. The man’s acts of faithfulness and devotion are not dismissed, and neither are ours. Faithfulness to the commands of Christ is essential and must be sacrificially observed, yet we miss the mark when we believe them to be the full expression of the Christian life. Put another way, Jesus responds to our natural inclination towards behavior modification and instead cuts to the heart of the meaning and purpose of life: “if you want to be perfect…”
Perfection is not a life free of sin or temptation but is the whole of life oriented to Christ and his kingdom. It is the consistent rejection of compartmentalized living that invites Jesus to lead in this part of my life, but to keep his distance from that desire or pursuit. As such, perfection is integration of your entire self into the whole of Christ, finding your life in obedience to his commands, and cultivating an unwaveringly attentive ear to the Spirit’s invitation to become more fully alive to his work in your life.
For the young man, his love of money and possessions was for him the obstacle that stood between him and a total life of devotion. While the Lord may be highlighting a similar struggle in your life, it is important to remember that this was a specific word spoken to a specific person, one whose innermost loves and longings were known to Jesus. Remember today that you also are intimately known by our Lord, and therefore his word to you may be different. Yet the difficult invitation remains and is universally shared: hear the Lord’s word to you today, and follow him with every part of your being, becoming perfect as you more and more reflect the life of Christ in your actions, thoughts, and deepest desires.
Prayer
Father, I long to become more and more like Jesus, giving myself fully to him and his ways. Give me a receptive and open heart that is quick to hear your voice and obey as you lead, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
Often we are blind to our own distorted desires. Ask the Lord today to reveal your spiritual blindness, showing you those longings that continue to have a grip on your heart and life.
Related Reading
Psalm 37:7-9; Matthew 6:19-21, 33; 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Worship Resource
Steffany Gretzinger with Matt Maher: Center of All History
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