How can we apply the rich young man's question to our daily lives? The Rich Young Man’s Question “Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired, ‘Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?’” (Matthew 19:16) Why His Question Matters for Us Today • The question reveals an instinct to measure our worth by performance. • It exposes the tug of possessions and status on the heart (v.22). • Jesus’ response (vv.17-26) shows that salvation rests on God’s grace, not human effort. Daily Applications Drawn from the Passage 1. Examine motives, not merely actions • Psalm 139:23-24—invite God to search the heart. • Ask: “Am I obeying to earn, or obeying because I’m loved?” 2. Trade self-reliance for Christ-reliance • John 15:5—“apart from Me you can do nothing.” • Any checklist that sidelines dependence on Jesus becomes an idol. 3. Hold possessions loosely • 1 Timothy 6:17-19—be “rich in good works… storing up treasure for the coming age.” • Practice regular, generous giving; it pries open clenched fingers. 4. Prioritize eternal outcomes over earthly success • Mark 8:36—“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” • Let eternity shape daily calendars, budgets, and ambitions. 5. Celebrate grace, not accomplishment • Ephesians 2:8-9—“It is by grace you have been saved… not by works.” • Replace boasting in achievements with gratitude for redemption. Guarding Against Modern Riches • Wealth today includes influence, social media reach, academic credentials. • Rotate fasting—from spending, streaming, or social platforms—to keep desires in check (1 Corinthians 6:12). • Surround yourself with believers who lovingly confront material drift (Hebrews 3:13). Walking in Dependence on Christ Daily confession of need, daily reception of grace, and daily surrender of possessions keep the heart supple. As Jesus concluded, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) |
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