“Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” (Mark 10:17-20 New King James Version)
The one in the text evaluated his life on the basis of the six commandments mentioned in the opening verses. His assessment would be based on what he knew according to the law. Let’s stop right here for a moment and repeat the title above, “You only know what you know!” This is applicable to the man above. He knew the law and had kept it from his youth. However, knowing the law really was not enough. If he wanted to do a more in-depth assessment of his life, he would have had to know some of Jesus teachings found in the Sermon on the Mount. Let me give you two examples. These are the words of Jesus which I am sure the man did not include in his self-evaluation. As it relates to committing murder, the Master said, “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother Raca (empty head), shall be guilty enough to go into fiery hell.” I am pretty sure that the man did not consider Jesus’ words when he stated, “All these things I have kept from my youth.” You see, you only know what you know. If the man knew more, his response might have been amended or a little less certain. As it relates to adultery, the Master said, “You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery, but I say to you, that everyone who looks on a woman to lust for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.” Note that Jesus did not come to abolish the Law or the prophets, but he came to fulfill. Also note, that while we will not achieve perfection in this life, we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. And while we have our failings in regard to living by the Lord’s principles for living, we can rejoice that Christ paid the price for our sins. Furthermore, I must add that this does not mean where grace abounds, sin should abound. As Paul wrote, “God forbid.”
Before I get too far off track, let me go back to the man in the text above. As in the case of him keeping the Law regarding adultery since his youth, again I’m pretty sure he did not consider the words of Jesus that you just read regarding adultery. Therefore, my title still remains true, “You only know what you know.”
What’s my purpose? I hope it has not been hidden under the plethora of words in this meditation. So let me make it plain. If you really want to evaluate you life or do a self-assessment of how well you are living in accordance to the will of God, keep studying the word of God for further understanding. My brother has used this phrase for years, “We are always under construction.” In other words, we are always being developed. Consequently, we must continue to stay in the word, continue to hear the word explained in bible study classes and especially on Sunday when the Lord sends a specific message by a specific messenger for a specific purpose, especially for you.
Recognizing that you only know what you know, persist in knowing more by responding in a positive way to the admonition that the Apostle Paul provides us in the inspired word of God. Read it below! React to it today with help from above! React to it the next day, and the next day, and the next day….
Have a great day! Be blessed!
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King