Fred Meijer was one of the wealthiest men in the world. His Meijer stores were the first to combine food and general merchandise under one roof. When he died his fortune put him in select company. But he wore his wealth lightly, often dropping by his shops and revealing a kind heart as he greeted customers, passed out coupons for free ice cream and even bagged shopping.
His generous spirit made the news from his funeral that much harder to take. Fred’s Christian friends had long worried that he didn’t know Jesus, but the preacher at his funeral pretended that that didn’t matter. “How do you inherit eternal life?” the pastor asked the mourners: “By being a good neighbor, like Fred was.”
I pray that Fred believed more than this, for that is a tragically wrong answer.
A young ruler once asked Jesus the same question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” When the man affirmed that he had kept many of the Ten Commandments—things that could lead him to also be a good neighbor, Jesus replied that he hadn’t done enough. “Go and sell your possessions and give the money to the poor . . . . Then come, follow Me.” But the man concluded that the price was too high, “and he went away sad” (Mark 10:17-22).
The man was not necessarily being materialistic. But Jesus knew his heart. He had to choose between treasure on earth and treasure in heaven. Because the man’s wealth was an obstacle to his faith, Jesus said it was “impossible” for him to be saved (Luke 18:24-27).
How do you inherit eternal life? Put the whole world—family, friends, money and sex—on one side, and nothing but Jesus on the other. Which do you choose?
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 16:16-40
More:
Read Matthew 16:24-28 to discover the ultimate questions that all people must answer (Matthew 16:26).
Next:
Who or what do you value more than Jesus? Why does this not only threaten your salvation but also prevent you from properly loving those things?
bluefigtoast on November 2, 2012 at 2:01 am
Two words. Well and said. Someone anonymously said: “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.”
Wayno
Terrence Simon on November 2, 2012 at 3:16 am
Follow Jesus and you will get everything in your life..!
Amen
yemiks1 on November 2, 2012 at 3:01 pm
A highway shall be there, and a road,
And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness.
The unclean shall not pass over it,
but it shall be for others.
Whoever walks the road, although a fool,
shall not go astray! Isaiah 35:8
roxanne robbins on November 2, 2012 at 4:39 pm
If we’ve become “fishers of men” that is an indication we’ve truly dropped our nets (Matthew 4:20) and followed Christ.
mike wittmer on November 2, 2012 at 6:52 pm
I like that, Roxanne! Wayno: “well and said” are three words! Just kidding. Thanks for your kindness!
belleu on November 2, 2012 at 8:11 pm
Being a good neighbor is good, but our works don’t save us. Good article.
lovatorobert on November 4, 2012 at 6:31 am
I am a Christian,and wasnt exactly the best being in the world.However,things have changed for me. When I find myself doing the things of the world,I began to sing the music from church,radio,etc. I know my works are against God and He talks to me that way.I believe if we have a relationship with God,and He fills us with His spirit upon relapsing,we are being informed in order to follow Him correctly. People feel that following the Lord is a state of conviction,when in all reality,it is a relationship where He finds us important enough to correct us. Delight in His correction,and by doing so, you will prosper and pave your way home. Dont feel overwhelmed by christianity,feel joyful that He loves you so much, that He wants to keep you safe.I LOVE MY JESUS!!!!!
winn collier on November 4, 2012 at 8:23 pm
this parable of the rich man is such a difficult – yet deeply good – story. Thanks for returning us to it.