Religion: A Pastor Ponders

Rich and Wanting

by Pastor William Jenkins

October 17, 2005

The gospel of Matthew, chapter 19, tells the story of the Rich Young Ruler who came to Jesus in desperation asking, ”What must I do to inherit eternal life?” I have read this story many times and preached from it a few. A new insight came to me on my last visit to it.

In answer to his question Jesus quoted six commandments to keep, which the man acknowledged he had kept from his youth. This apparently was no empty boast as Jesus accepted his statement at face value. Quite impressive. The six mentioned commandments had to do with the man’s relationship with other people. The four missing commandments, which he could not have said he had kept, were the root of his problem.

These are the first four commandments that have to do with the man’s relationship with God. He was right with everybody in the world, but he was not right with God. When Jesus said one thing was lacking, it was that right relationship with God that precedes the other six commandments and gives them substance.

This person was young. Was it his youth that prevented him from being right with God? This person was rich. Was it his wealth that prevented him from being right with God? This person was a ruler. Was it his status in the community and the demands made on his time that prevented him from being right with God? The man was morally good. Was it his goodness that made him blind to his true relationship with God?

Obviously, none of the commendable qualities that would have gained him “Citizen of the Year” status were enough. He felt lost and empty. Something was missing at the center of his life. Without that something at the center his life would collapse upon itself. At the end of the story it did.

This man is very much a portrait of our modern society, making every effort to be just right in every respect except in our relationship with God.

Now, as then, one thing is missing…not two or three or a dozen, just one. It is that one which makes all other things worthwhile.

League City United Methodist Church is located at 1411 Main Street (FM 518), one block east of Interstate 45. For information, call the church offices at 281-332-1557 or visit the website at

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