Reading 5

Matthew 17-20

I like lists. I write them on sticky notes, in my day planner, even in my journal. Checking off items leaves me feeling accomplished, makes me feel that I've done what is required. I need to do things and finish tasks. However, this is also how I spent many years as a Christian—believing my relationship with Jesus consisted of a series of definite tasks I could finish and check off my 'good Christian' list.

Go to church. Check.

Memorize John 3:16. Check.

Volunteer at VBS. Check.

So I empathize with the young man in Matthew 19:16 who asks, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" He wants a list from Jesus too.

As I was reading through the Gospels several summers ago, Jesus' answer to the man in verse 21 changed from just a part of a familiar Bible story to a clear and timely message for me. Though Jesus does review with him the list of commandments, he ends with, "Then come, follow me." This is what had been missing from my previous approach to my spiritual life—a real and dynamic relationship with Jesus.

In John 10:10 Jesus speaks of the abundant life available now for those who follow him. In reducing my relationship to a set of tasks, I had been missing out. He is asking of me that I daily follow him—listen in times of reading and prayer, seek his will, obey. I still attend church, work on memorizing scripture and volunteer time. But in the context of relationship with Jesus, these things have new purpose and meaning.

Seek Jesus and get rid of my 'good Christian' list. Check.

Allie

Reading #5 (audio)