Finding Our Worth in the Real Thing

Written by Faith Schiller

Day 1: Rule Followers

Sometimes in life, when faced with a need, we’ll reach for what’s nearby and available, rather than for what’s best. We’ll eat junk food for dinner rather than a healthy meal. Or scroll through social media rather than connect with someone face-to-face. Or look for unconditional love from the people around us, rather than from the One who made us. These things seem to satisfy in the moment, but in the long run, they always do more harm than good.

As you watch this film, consider: In what areas of your life are you substituting something real and good for something good enough?

Take a moment to watch this video, "The Real Thing":

One day, when Jesus was out teaching the crowds, a person the Scriptures call “the rich young ruler,” approached Jesus and asked a question. What you need to know about them is that he is described as having everything; status, wealth, education, and family connections. In all likelihood, he had been meticulously trained in following the Torah since he was a small child. This guy had everything going for him. He knew all the rules and the right answers.

But Jesus was notorious for teaching about something he did not have yet: eternal life and a never-ending relationship with God. So, the young man asked Jesus what else he needed to do to achieve everlasting life. In other words, this rich young ruler wanted to know what rules to follow to be perfect in God’s eyes and receive the gift of eternal life. But here is the kicker: He was already following all the rules.

Jesus goes on and outlines commands from the Torah which this rich young ruler had been following faithfully for years, and yet, he still was not satisfied with his life; he knew something was missing. When this young guy heard Jesus teach about eternal life, he knew the rules were not going to cut it. He responded to Jesus in verse 20 by saying, “All these I have kept, what do I still lack?” Jesus replies with his classic invitation, “... come, follow me.”

In Jesus' invitation to the rich young ruler, we see God’s call to a relationship. God wants relationships with his people, not a bunch of rule followers who do not know him. For us, I wonder how often we make the same mistake the guy in this story did; we try to trade our relationship with God for God’s rules. While God’s rules are good, they keep us safe and help us make wise choices; following God is not just about following the rules! If we focus too much on the rules of God instead of a relationship with God, then we too will not be satisfied with this life; something will be missing!

Next Step:

Consider where in your life you have substituted rules about God for a relationship with God. God’s rules are good, but they are not the same as having a rich relationship with God Himself. Once you have identified an area of life that is more defined by rules than relationship, stop and spend some time praying and talking to God about how you can invite Him into that area of your life.