Let's lift up 
Let's lift up 
Let's lift up Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: "Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?" ...
[Jesus said,] "But to answer your question, you know the commandments: 'You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.'"
The man replied, "I've obeyed all these commandments since I was young."
—Luke 18:18, 20-21 NLT
While most of us can say we have never been guilty of murder, adultery, or possibly even stealing, very few of us can honestly say that we have never spoken false words in conversation and have always done what is honorable toward our parents. Even in the best of lives, there is some hedging of the truth or exaggeration that slips into the conversation. Even in the best of children, there are weak moments or difficult periods where we have done less than we could and should to honor our parents. Jesus helped the man confront the real issue in his life by answering his question even though the reason for the question about eternal life may not have been honorable. This man, however, claimed to be a law keeper deluxe! He said he had obeyed all the laws since he was young. However, he surely wasn't being fully honest with himself. I know I couldn't say what he said, and I have never met a person who could honestly say what he said. How about you? Can you justify yourself based on keeping the law? Are you trying to be righteous by being better and obeying more completely than others? In the discussion that followed, Jesus penetrated to the heart of the issue. If Jesus were physically present to say what you need to do to inherit eternal life, what would it be?
Father, the loving and eternal God, thank you for your grace that has forgiven me of my sins. Forgive me of my moments of self-righteous arrogance. Humble me gently until I can see that my righteousness is based on Jesus' perfect gift and not my obedience. Then, dear Father, I ask by the power of your Holy Spirit, that you conform me more perfectly to the person you want me to be. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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[Jesus said,] "But to answer your question, you know the commandments: 'You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.'"
The man replied, "I've obeyed all these commandments since I was young."
—Luke 18:18, 20-21 NLT
Key Thought
While most of us can say we have never been guilty of murder, adultery, or possibly even stealing, very few of us can honestly say that we have never spoken false words in conversation and have always done what is honorable toward our parents. Even in the best of lives, there is some hedging of the truth or exaggeration that slips into the conversation. Even in the best of children, there are weak moments or difficult periods where we have done less than we could and should to honor our parents. Jesus helped the man confront the real issue in his life by answering his question even though the reason for the question about eternal life may not have been honorable. This man, however, claimed to be a law keeper deluxe! He said he had obeyed all the laws since he was young. However, he surely wasn't being fully honest with himself. I know I couldn't say what he said, and I have never met a person who could honestly say what he said. How about you? Can you justify yourself based on keeping the law? Are you trying to be righteous by being better and obeying more completely than others? In the discussion that followed, Jesus penetrated to the heart of the issue. If Jesus were physically present to say what you need to do to inherit eternal life, what would it be?
Today's Prayer
Father, the loving and eternal God, thank you for your grace that has forgiven me of my sins. Forgive me of my moments of self-righteous arrogance. Humble me gently until I can see that my righteousness is based on Jesus' perfect gift and not my obedience. Then, dear Father, I ask by the power of your Holy Spirit, that you conform me more perfectly to the person you want me to be. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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