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BE PERFECT

Matthew 19:20&21
20 The young man saith unto Him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me.

We are studying the "rich young ruler" who approached Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter nineteen. He has everything going for him; he is a person of means and wealth. He is youthful and has a long and prosperous life ahead. And, he has some degree of power over his peers. He is large and in charge. 

He has some faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. He addresses Jesus as "Good Master." The "rich young ruler" is dying to KNOW what he needs to do to EARN eternal life. Let me know what it is and I will do it!!!

Jesus's answered with what we call the Second Table of the Ten Commandments. The things we often think of as good works. These can also be thought of as works of love and kindness to our neighbors. There is the negative flip side to these things too; we normally think of them as sins! When we hurt our neighbors with: murder, theft, adultery, etc. These are common sins and they are also faults that many people are able to avoid. Like our friend the "rich young ruler..."

In today's verses he claims he has kept all these commandments!!! "The young man saith unto Him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?" Ask this question and prepare yourself for the answer; "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt BE PERFECT, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and FOLLOW ME."

Christianity is not for the faint of heart or the proud. When we come to Christ He knows what's in our hearts and minds. Like our friend the "rich young ruler" who thinks he is great because he has kept the commandments! Then Jesus shows him what true charity would look like. This makes his weakness that was lurking in his mind clearly visible to all. 

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