Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: “Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” LUKE 18:18 (NLT)

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What do you have to do to earn a spot on God’s team? 

• You have to be better than you are.
• You have to be better than you want to be.
• You have to be better than you are capable of being. 

In other words, what can you do to deserve eternal rewards? Nothing. Salvation is a gift, not an exchange, not a tip of the scales by more good stuff than bad. 

Here was a pretty good guy. He was a ruler (CSB, NIV, ESV). He was rich. He was intent on presenting an image not only of respectability, but pretty well holy. When he asked Jesus what more he needed to deserve the ultimate prize, Jesus talked to him about the second half of the Ten Commandments. Dude Perfect responded by saying, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since was young,” (v. 21). 

Good answer! Not only is this man a ruler and rich, but he really appeared to deserve the title he sought. At least, right up to the part where Jesus pointed out that there was one thing more important than God in his life. The first commandment says pretty clearly, NO OTHER GODS. Unfortunately, his wealth was more precious to him than his trust in God. 

In other words, he was a pretty good guy, but he was never going to inherit eternal riches as long as temporary wealth was more important to him than God. He had not learned Psalm 23: “The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” 

• “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want,” (ESV).
• “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing,” (NIV).
• “GOD, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing,” (MSG). 

To live a life without lack, to enjoy all of God’s goodness and abundance, see God for how good, how great, how wonderful, how joyful, and how generous he is. Enjoy all the good things he gives, but delight yourself in him alone. 

Trust in the LORD and do good. 
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the LORD,
And he will give you your heart’s desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.
Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
And the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Psalm 37:3-6

Salvation is not about earning; salvation is about trusting. Salvation is by grace through faith alone.

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I will trust God alone for everything I need now and forever.

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Our Father, you are all we need. May faith is in you alone. My hope is in you alone. You alone are good without any taint of sin. You alone are right in all you say and do. I trust you alone for salvation, for direction, and for provision. Amen.