What is good enough?

Check out this 2 minute clip:

http://www.essentials.tv/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=bqLKI1OKKtF&b=504545&ct=624313

How does it impact you?

I was reminded of it as I read Matthew 19:16-30 about the young ruler who desperately and genuinely sought eternal life. He came up to Jesus and asked, “What good thing must I do to get eternal life?” The Bible reveals this young man lived a stoic and disciplined life, focused on good deeds and following the law – a life worthy of commendation. He had followed the list Jesus reiterated since he was a boy. Yet, there was more. Jesus continued. These more specific actions the young man could not do. (Could not? Or Would not?...)

I think the power and meaning of this story is found in the discussion that follows. The disciples ask, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” There you have it. The gospel message! It is placed in such an understated and subtle way – I love it. It is God who bequeaths eternal life. God saves. Man cannot. Gone is the idea that good acts determine ones eternal fate.

Let's not forget the continuation of this message...John 14:6 "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through me."

One of my Bible Study Ladies found this quote on bibletools.org, "Thus, we need to remember that, even though we want to do good works, they will never save us. They are a fruit of righteousness. They are not the ultimate goal or the end. They just show that we have inculcated into us part of God's character, and the natural outgrowth of that is good works (see Ephesians 2:10)."

How do you think Jesus intended this truth to impact our lives?

What place do good deeds play in your spiritual life, business, ministry?