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“Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” Matthew 19:16

It was more than a question of life after death. It was a question of contentment, a search for meaning in a life that had become meaningless. If you read on in the story from Matthew you find that the seeker was someone who anyone would want in a leadership position in the community or in a church.

He was young. He was rich. And if his evaluation of himself was correct he was a good neighbor and an all-around nice guy. He was religious. He knew the Bible. He went to church every week. He took care of his family. No doubt he had the nice house on the block with a well-kept yard, a late model SUV and a pool in the backyard that neighbors enjoyed on a frequent basis.

But something was missing. Something drew him to this new teacher on the block, the one who seemed to have it all together. The one who spoke truth in a non-judgmental way. The won who didn’t hold his position above everyone else. He connected with the poor, the outcast, and the struggling. Although he had power, his power was used to serve people.

He didn’t get the answer he’d hoped for. He wanted something simple, something he could buy, or do. A good deed perhaps? Giving a little more to the local synagogue? Reciting certain scriptures? But what he got wasn’t easy. Jesus told him to do just one more thing. Give away all his wealth to the poor. Mind you, this wasn’t just financial. This was giving up status. This was giving up his lively hood. This took away his prominence, and perhaps more importantly, his control. His best simply wasn’t good enough.

Jesus wasn’t merely telling him go give up all the things he had relied on his whole life. He was inviting him to faith. He was inviting him to put his total trust in a God he knew only superficially. He walked. He left more distraught than when he came. The cost was too much.

Those listening in asked the question we all have asked. During those times when we’ve failed…again. In those times of grief and fear and anger and worry, in those times when we’re alone with our thoughts, when we realize what we want in impossible to gain. Then how? How can I get the peace, the contentment, the feeling that I’m going to make it through this?

Jesus answer is simple. It’s not about what you do. It’s not an easy, 10 step program, it’s not trusting in your own power, it’s trusting in the God of all power. It’s impossible to live the life God wants for us until we give him complete control of all we have. He’s not looking at your accomplishments, he’s not asking for some religious activity, he’s asking for your heart.