Busy, Busy, Busy
A guest blog by Shawn Blythe.
We are busy people. I know this because when somebody amicably asks me how things are going, my first instinct is to answer “Busy!” Whether it is true or not, that is the impression that I have of my life. Busy with home repairs, daily tasks, family visits, church responsibilities, hobbies, vacations, and a myriad of other activities that fill my calendar. The 19th chapter of Matthew always resonates with me because it also seems to reflect a world packed with business. There is a discussion on divorce, there are children running around, strangers requiring time and friends asking for something.
But amidst this hectic atmosphere, two questions are asked of Jesus in this chapter that I think of often. One of which I seem to ask on a regular basis, and one of which I should ask more often.
The first question is asked by a young man. Luke adds that he is a ‘ruler’ (Luke 18:18), which indicates perhaps a civil authority or even a synagogue official. We also learn that he is wealthy (Matthew 19:22). Although Matthew and Mark simply start the story with the man approaching Jesus to ask a question, Mark adds the interesting additional detail that the man ran up to Jesus and fell on his knees. I like the picture that Mark paints here. It suggests humility coupled with urgency -and perhaps even sincerity. It would appear that, unlike the other religious leaders who asked Jesus questions, there was no hidden agenda here. This man really wanted to know what he needed to do to obtain eternal life. Even after Jesus responds with the basics, the man seems to recognize that there is still something missing. He responds that he has kept the basics, but then asks the question that always catches my attention: “What do I still lack?” As we know, Jesus responds by telling the man to sell everything he has, give the proceeds to the poor and follow Him.
The second question is asked by Peter. After hearing the response to the young man above, Peter immediately applies the guidance to himself. He takes the recommendation to “sell all your possessions. . . and follow me” (Matthew 19:21) and immediately measures himself (and the other disciples) against this standard. The result is quite favorable. They have, indeed, left everything to follow Jesus. This leads to the second question that I unfortunately know all too well. Peter’s question is “What then will there be for us?” (Matthew 19:27). But I like to paraphrase it as “What’s in it for me?”
In my life, I find myself spending too much time on the “What’s in it for me?” question and not enough on the “What do I still lack?” question. I fully recognize that the circumstances for me are very different. My question regarding what more can I do is related to my response to God’s grace rather than a qualifying action for eternal life. And my question regarding what I get in return is within the context of somebody who has NOT given up everything to follow Christ.
But nonetheless, the two questions remain for me. I seem to constantly look for earthly blessings from a spiritual relationship, while at the same time not spending enough time striving for perfection – or perhaps better put, an effort to be “complete” before God.
I find it interesting that it was a young man of apparently limited exposure to Jesus, with no access to a New Testament, who apparently understood that even though he followed the rules of the day that should have assured him of a good standing with God, there was something still lacking. He makes a comparison to the standard he has been taught since a child and recognizes that he is coming up short somehow. Even when Christ responds with the basics – which both the young man and Jesus seem to acknowledge he has met – the man still knows in his heart he is falling short. There was a nagging recognition that there was something missing, something more.
In the business of life, it is very easy to get hung up on the details and timing of the reward or benefits of being a believer. When will I be strengthened? (Isaiah 41:10). When will I find rest for my soul? (Matthew 11:29)? When will I receive heavenly wisdom? (James 1:5). Obviously, we do receive all of these gifts, but don’t we always want more – and more frequently?
Rather, perhaps I should be focusing on actively looking for ways to feed the hungry, look after strangers, visit the sick and help those less fortunate (Matthew 25:35-36). Perhaps I should be much more alert to the opportunities that I am given to share the gospel. Clearly, I would be better served by focusing my efforts on doing what God has asked me to do rather than worrying about the timing and quantity of any benefits.
I often wonder what Jesus’ response would have been if Peter had responded differently. If Peter could have put aside his desire to be reassured regarding his reward, and instead asked the same question that young man asked: “What do I still lack?”
The question of what I must do to be saved has been answered directly and clearly. Salvation is by grace through faith. But the question of what I should do in response to this gift of grace is seemingly never-ending.
The recognition that there is more that I can do to be of service to my God should an unavoidable and persistent driving force in my life.