Matthew 19:16-17
“Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

While we know that certain acts are good and others are bad…labeling anything as either “good” or “bad” is generally not a good idea. God can use all that happens for good (“We know that all things work for good for those who love God” – Romans 8:28). In my life there have been many times when something happened that appeared to be “bad” at the time but in the long run turned out to be very “good.” My whole experience of a ruptured appendix appeared to be the worst thing that ever happened to me at the time…but in retrospect I now view the experience as one of the most deeply spiritually transformative ones of my life. The man asking Jesus how to “gain” eternal life was also attached to many possessions and viewed eternal life as a commodity to gain through his own works. Jesus told him that he can enter into life (a very present idea) by keeping the commandments. The greatest commandment is to love God and all people. God will take over from there. As St. Paul says, “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). Jesus gave the man the best advice after this when He told him to disassociate with his possessions and to “come, follow me” (Matthew19:21). How might I follow this advice in my life?

Suggested song of the day– “You’ll Lead Me” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
Hear free clips of Bill’s songs by clicking on Bill Tonnis’ Music on iTunes to the right.
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Remember…God loves you!