And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17)

Remember this rich young ruler who wondered what he should do to gain heaven?  Jesus gives the young man an opportunity to understand the grace of the gospel by first reminding him, “Only God is good.”

The man is too intent on proving his own deserving to listen. He tells Jesus, “I have kept all of God’s commandments since I was a child!”

Jesus had just said, “Only God is good,” and moments later the spiritually deaf man gives himself that same distinction, as if he is as good as God.

God’s Word teaches that none of us is completely righteous. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23).

That’s why moral and doctrinal instructions that make no mention of the necessity of grace lead away from God — just as the young man who was so intent on touting his goodness ultimately walked away from Jesus.

We are most determined to live for God when we know he provides care despite our undeserving, not because we have qualified for his love. After all, who needs God or his grace, if you think you’re already good enough without Him?

Prayer: Lord, help me to remember that I really am a sinful person who falls short of your glory, so that I will live in thanksgiving for the grace and forgiveness you have offered to me through Jesus Christ.