The rich young ruler asked the Lord of Life: “What should I do to inherit eternal life” (Luke 18:18-25; Mark 10; 17-26; Matthew 19:16-26). He had inherited the privileges and blessings in this world, but also desired eternal Life.
Good desire: Very few who are rich think about life after death. They get immersed in this worldly luxury and achievements. The young ruler, who had good parents, upbringing, worldly inheritance, religious education, and possessions. He felt that life is not meaningful with the goodness of the present. Hence, he desired Eternal Life.
Good question: He had framed the question from his understanding of spirituality. Like his worldly accomplishments, Eternal Life could be another added accomplishment. Hence, he asked what I should do. He focused on doing rather than being.
Good Master: For him, the Lord Jesus Christ was just a teacher. He needed a guide, not a saviour; a lawyer, not a judge; a good man, but not a holy Perfect of God. He also perceived the Lord as Good, as he had heard about His reputation.
Good counter-question: The Lord asked him to follow the light he had already had, that is, the Law of Moses. As a religious duty, the young man was confident he had achieved. Legally, he was guilt-free. Nevertheless, he lacked one thing.
Good news: The Lord said he could inherit Eternal Life. Provided, if he was willing to lose what all he holds as important, significant, and essential that gave him dignity, respect, and identity and take up the cross (shame, pain, suffering and death) and follow Him. One who surrenders all his idols, including that of pride, position, power, pedigree, popularity, and possession in place of the cross, will inherit Eternal Life.
Good decision: A wise and good decision is not to depend on oneself, achievements in the world, but to depend on the Lord’s accomplishment on the Cross of Calvary. The good young man could not make a good decision, as he was blinded by the world’s riches. Paul writes that he will only boast of the cross. (Galatians 6:14)
Have I unconditionally surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ?