Denying My Goodness (to Gain Christ’s Perfection)

by | Aug 27, 2021 | Deny Yourself & Follow Jesus | 4 comments

Today’s post is part of Sister Michelle Watson’s series Deny Yourself and Follow Jesus.

Let’s start this part of the discussion by taking a good, long look at the rich young ruler.

His story appears in Matthew 19, Mark 10, and Luke 18.

I loathe abbreviations, but I’m calling him the RYR to save keystrokes.

The only three things we’re told about the RYR is that he’s: 

  • Rich: He has wealth.
  • Young: He has the bloom and vigor of youth.
  • Ruler: He has power. 

Hot dog! This guy’s got it all: wealth, vitality, and status. And, he’s moral!

He grew up keeping the commandments, and he still keeps them. So he’s probably not a scoundrel.

When I picture him, I see somebody successful, likable, and a deep thinker. He comes to Jesus because he’s pondering his immortal soul, after all.

His parents probably said, “We are so proud of him.” 

His friends probably said, “He’s my No. 1 BFF.”

His colleagues probably said, “He’s a man I can trust.”

Wow, let’s put this guy on “The Bachelor”!

The RYR has a lot going for him, and he comes to Jesus and asks, “What good thing must I do to inherit eternal life?” Is there anything I’m missing?

Hmm…I wonder if the RYR was secretly hoping that Jesus would pat him on the back and say, “You’re doing just fine, son. Keep it up.”

Or perhaps…”Everyone, look at this young man! He’s a 10 out of 10! Be like him!”

Mark 10:21 says that Jesus “loved him.” But it wasn’t an admiring, pedestal-type love. It was the love of a parent who is about to administer correction to a prized and precious child.

Instead of affirming him, Jesus commands:

“Go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.”

Bbbbbbbbpppphhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeewwwwwwww. That’s the sound of a balloon deflating.

Maybe the RYR deflated, too, when Jesus told him that he wasn’t perfect.

Jesus presented the RYR with a test of righteousness, and he failed. The RYR could not bring himself to exchange his earthly gain (wealth) for heavenly gain (the chance to know and follow Jesus in the flesh).

In less than a minute, he went from being a perfect 10 to a negative 34. 

Yet, Jesus didn’t pour ice water over his head and walk away. He empowered him with the truth!

Jesus revealed a powerful message:

A perfect person has no need for Jesus. 

No need for a savior. All is fine here in Righteousville!

But, when I confess my sinfulness and admit that there’s something lacking…then Jesus comes right in to fill that vacancy.

He fills it with His forgiveness. I strive for a perfection that I’ll never achieve—but His grace washes away my sins, canceling my mistakes, and giving me a perfect 100/100 before God (something I’d never achieve on my own).

He fills it with His purpose. Living a healthy, wealthy life (like the RYR) is all well and good. But without a sense of higher purpose, I’ll never find full contentment, no matter how much I have going for me. Those two words, “Follow Me,” are what make life worth living. 

When I choose self-justification over self-condemnation, I’m essentially saying, “I’ve got this, Jesus. You can go save sinners. I’m good.”

The RYR’s story perfectly illustrates the theme of gain through loss. 

When I lose my false perfection, then my hands are free to accept the gift of salvation from a Savior who died for me before I knew I needed saving.

Next Friday: Denying Myself Sinful Pleasures (to Gain What Truly Satisfies)

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.

Author

  • Sister Michelle Watson

    Sister Michelle Watson lives in the remote White Mountains of Arizona with husband, Brother Michael, and two miracle-born boys.

    View all posts Full-time mother, part-time freelance writer/editor Reading an entire book in one day, pretty hikes, sushi, libraries, dad jokes, and long periods of silence 1 John 1:9

4 Comments

  1. Ishmael Humphrey

    I like the message from this Blog and the humor too. Thanks Michelle

    Reply
  2. Christina DiCenzo

    I’ve never giggled so much reading a blog before. Delightful & right on dear Sister!

    Reply
  3. Brother Gary Thompson

    #Truth. Amen Sister.

    Reply
  4. Brenda Capone

    Love the way, you have simplified this part of the scriptures! It makes a person, look at their life and realize, there is ALWAYS room for change. To do better.
    I love it!

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Further Reading

Gutterplant

There is a main road that runs through my town, and on that main road, there is this one specific gutter.  This summer, a bright green plant grew out of that gutter, tall and straight and gorgeous. It wasn't long before a huge red flower bloomed on that leafy...

Read More

My favorite part of Sunday

"My favorite part of the whole week is right after we get home from church on Sunday. It's the time I like best." My 8-year-old son, Henry, said this the other day.  "Why do you like it?" I asked.  He thought for a few moments, and then said he just liked...

Read More

Never Miss a New Article

Subscribe to Our Email List
Sign up and get every new blog post sent straight to your inbox so you always have the day’s devotional at your fingertips.

We never share your email address with anyone for any reason, and we use it only to send you Gospel Blog emails. Just articles, not ads!

Your Story for God’s Glory

Share Your Testimony on Miracle Monday

We devote Miracle Monday to sharing miracle stories. From finding a lost wedding ring to healing cancer on the spot, Jesus Christ has done it all, big and small.

And we want to hear about what He’s done for you.

The Gospel Blog Is Open for Submissions

We encourage devotional-style or scripture-based articles in the ballpark of 500 words. We are open to any topic that glorifies God and unites the Church.