The Rich, Young Ruler with Potential

The rich, young ruler was not all bad. Sure, “…he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (Matthew 19:22) He was not prepared to follow Jesus fully. He was tied to his possessions. He was not willing to change his priorities. We are left with the distinct feeling that this young man was not ready to be a true disciple of Jesus.
We must, however, remember that he confirmed his faithfulness as a Jewish man in his keeping of the commandments. But, the best thing about him was the question that he posed to Jesus, “What do I still lack?” (verse 20) That question is full of meaning.
It said that this young man had potential. He certainly knew what he should be doing. He was confident that he had done well. He was a candidate to do more and better. The potential was there.
That question said he had a good heart. Like so many of us, this young man had a heart to serve. It really seems that he wanted to be a disciple of Jesus. He had been doing what he thought was his best. But, he still wanted to know what else to do.
That question said he understood the seriousness of the situation in which he found himself. His earlier question is proof of this. Remember, he had already asked, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” (verse 26) This young man knew that there was more to life than this life. He knew about the eternal life. You have to appreciate him for this.
That question showed that he had a good family behind him. He had observed the commandments since his youth. Obviously, his parents had raised him to know what was right and what was necessary. He was a good young man. He was a child who followed his parents’ leading and chose to continue his faithfulness as an adult.
Yet, for all his potential, he was still incomplete in his discipleship. He has been enshrined for eternity as the young man with potential who just did not have the level of commitment for complete follow-through. The lesson for us is simple: Potential is good but not good enough by itself.
 

• Remain true to God's Word - 2 Timothy 2:15
• Grow in love and unity - 1 Corinthians 13:1-7
• Find greater joy in praising God - Psalms 117:1-2

If we love one another as a family, and serve each other with the spirit of peace, there are no limits to what we can do for the Lord.

May God bless each of us in His service.

The Elders
Richmond Congregation

Paul Alexander
Owen Barnes
Jack Hall
Joe Koger
John Mathis
Paul Sowards

Sermon Topics

A.M. Matthew 19:16-22
What Do I Lack?
After our study of the structure and work of the Richmond church, where are our weaknesses?

P.M.
Speaker: Austin Johnson