[Jessica Jagerson]

MATTHEW 19- GOOD DEEDS

“Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” Matthew 19:16

“Good people” are extremely valued in our community. Honesty and transparency are favorable traits and are often appreciated amongst our peers. Good deeds such as giving your time and money to the needy are commendable and often applauded.

Although these good works are noble and garner our society’s respect, they fall short of what God deems sufficient to inherit God’s kingdom. In fact, God states that “none are righteous,” that even the best works we can perform “are like filthy rags.”

Why, may you ask? Because, in exchange for eternal life in heaven, God demands perfection. Something that was exclusively found in God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

CHALLENGE

Do you believe you are a good person? Good enough for God to let you into His kingdom? Sadly, being good is not sufficient, and your best works towards man are insufficient to secure heaven in the afterlife.

My friend, there is nothing we can do to earn heaven. All the work that needed to be done has ALREADY been done on the cross of Calvary.

Therefore, what we can do is come before the Lord with a humble heart, confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, and then, and only then, we can inherit the kingdom of God.

[Erin Kesterson]

I believe I am a good person I have made a lot of wrong doings threrefor I dont believe I am good enough for god to allow me into his kingdom. My wrongs cant be made right I can learn from them and move on but The truth be told I am not good enough to even questions my past or ask to be let into a kingdomthat I was fit for before I could walk. Then to take a path that wasnt meant for me and listen to the devil instead of my creator. I have asked for forgiveness and I am good enough for Gods forgiveness that is all I need to keep faith and follow my lord and savor.

[Trae Johnson]

In a culture that values goodness, kindness, generosity, and righteousness, it’s all too simple to assume that being a “good person” is enough to secure our position in God’s sight. But Matthew 19:16 reminds me that even the most noble deeds are not good enough when compared to God’s standard of righteousness. The wealthy young ruler truly desired to know what good thing he might do to inherit eternal life, but Jesus kindly revealed the flaw in his thinking: eternal life isn’t earned, it’s received.

This text fills me with a desire to stop measuring my worth by my acts and graciously admit I am in need of grace. My best endeavors, however excellent they might be, are not the answer to heaven. It is only through Jesus’s perfection, death, and resurrection that I can be restored to God.

Now, I rest in the freedom of the gospel. I do not serve others and live in righteousness to earn God’s favor, but because I already have His favor through Christ. My works are not based on a need to earn salvation, but out of thankfulness for the salvation which I have received freely.

[Mjulius513]

I believe I am a good person who faces the challenges of life with strength and hope. Every day, I thank God for my life, my health, and the strength to keep going. I know that God’s blessings are a big part of my life, but I also understand that I have to do my part, too. I try to live right, treat others with kindness, and do my best even when things are hard. I believe that I am worthy to enter the kingdom of God, not because I am perfect, but because God is loving and forgiving. He knows our hearts and sees our efforts. The Lord forgives us when we fall short and helps us grow. His love is always there, no matter what mistakes we’ve made. I trust in His grace and believe that as long as I keep trying and keep my faith, I will always have a place with Him.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8

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