What Shall I do to Inherit Eternal Life?

Daily Devotional – Monday, November 1, 2021

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 (NKJV)

Simon, a ten year-old boy, was in trouble with his mother. His love of football was obsessive. Whenever he went out to kick the ball with other kids, nothing else mattered. He would be gone from home for hours without permission from his mother.

The frustrated mom stopped sending Simon to the shop. After all, the boy would bring back the shopping late or some of the items would be missing, spoilt or faulty. She also stopped advancing any favours to her son.

One day, Simon did not go out to play. He sat at home, thoughtfully. His mother was sad also, because her boy had bullied the neighbours’ children. The boy asked himself, “What must I do to please my loving mother?”

Simon decided he would not participate in any activity that made his mother angry. He gave up street football. He promised to listen to and obey his mother. He would not allow his mother to cry again because of his misdemeanours.

Same Question Today

The question whose answer motivated Simon to change also appears in scripture. One day while Jesus was teaching, a rich young ruler asked, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16).

Every human being should ask this very important question. Eternal life should be the ultimate goal of every individual. Jesus answered, “…if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” (Matthew 19:17).

While faith is a critical aspect of salvation, obedience is the fruit upon which character is judged.

When the young man said he had obeyed all the commandments, Jesus taught him another aspect of obedience. Jesus said, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (Matthew 19:21)

What we must do to inherit eternal life is to exercise sacrificial love. While we are not required to die for others as Jesus did, we must demonstrate genuine love for others, especially the needy. 

While, outwardly, we may seem to obey the second set of the Ten Commandments (these are the examples Jesus gave in verse 19), we must not forget the first four commandments, which demand total commitment to God.

What must you do to inherit eternal life? What do you hear God telling you right now? Are you 100% committed to Him?

Lord Jesus, I want to inherit eternal life. Teach me what I need to do and how to do it.