Learning DAILY

 

Matthew 19:16, Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing must I do that I may have eternal life?”

 

I usually try not to ask questions when I know I won’t like the answer given.  The person in Scripture, known as “the rich young ruler”, found Jesus and asked Him a question.  Billy Graham wrote this about the rich young ruler, “The rich young ruler, in his famous interview with Christ, asked the right question, asked the right person, received the right answer, but made the wrong choice.”

 

Every day we have decisions to make.  Probably most decisions we make are not really life-changing decisions.  Personally I think we have too many options when it comes to decision-making.  For example, when we go to the grocery store and finally find the aisle the item I want is in, I have a decision to make.  Let’s say that I need toothpaste.  I first see that there is 20 to 30 feet of counter space devoted to toothpaste.  That length is also almost six feet high.   I now have to decide if I want deep cleaning, a whitener, a type for sensitive teeth, Colgate, Crest, or the store brand, and who knows whatever else I can chose from.  So, I get something hoping I made the right choice.  I know – this is not really making a life-changing decision.

 

On the other hand, there are life-changing decisions in history that have changed the course of nations and the world.  I read somewhere that Alexander the Great was asked how he was able to conquer the entire world.  Alexander replied, “By not wavering.”  For a person like me who struggles with making decisions at times, I wonder is decision-making that easy or simple?  Perhaps when I struggle so and hesitate, trying to think through all the options offered, I accomplish nothing.

 

Jesus answered this question that only people who were able to perfectly keep the law could earn a right standing with God; they would have to be as good as God.  The “the rich young ruler” failed to understand his imperfection disqualified him from eternal life.  Jesus had to point out that his love for his wealth stood in the way – it separated him from a holy God.  The rich young ruler loved his wealth more than he loved God; he made what I consider to be a bad decision.

 

Eventually each of us must decide whether or not we will live for God.  At the end of the book of Joshua, Joshua gathered the Israelites together and admonished them “to fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and truth, and to put away false gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt.  Serve the Lord!” (Joshua 24:14).  He then told them to make the decision regarding who they were going to serve.    We are in a day when each of us, each family must make this same decision.   Even with the struggles I have making a decision, this one has come quickly and easily.  I say as Joshua said, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15).  If you have not made the decision to serve the Lord with all you have, it’s time to decide what you are going to do.  Don’t put it off.  Deciding to serve Him with all you have is one decision you will never regret!

 

 

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