None Good But God

Mark 10:18

G K Chesterton in a response to an article in Time Magazine titled “What’s Wrong With The World?” Responded in his clever and witty way by saying “What’s wrong with the world? I am yours truly, G K Chesterton.”

There is a lot wrong in our world today. There is also a lot wrong in our country as well. We have the tendency to want to look outward and blame others and not look inward and see the contributions we make towards all that has gone wrong. Chesterton took the inward route and he found the the only way to make the world right was to began with himself. He found His “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1

In our text this Rich Young Ruler thought that he was good. He kept the commandments from his youth up. He also saw some goodness in Jesus as well, running up to him wanting to know how to inherit eternal life. But if this ruler was really good and good enough, why is he still searching for an answer? He realizes that though he is outwardly good, he knows that inwardly he is not at peace. He knows his thoughts. He is aware of what he is in private, which in many ways is opposite of what he is in public. He knows the potential that lies within him and understands that there have been at times when he was at the breaking point of committing horrendous sin. What Jesus goes on to say is that he needs to “sell all that he has and give to the poor, and take up his cross and follow me.” Jesus makes him aware of the fact that eternal life is found in surrender to God and his righteousness, which is found only in Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. There is no one else good but God. He just doesn’t do good, but is good in his essence.

There is indeed a lot that is wrong with the world today. There are troubles and conflicts all around. There is probably a lot that is wrong with us, due to our own personal troubles and conflicts as well. But with all that is wrong there is one thing that we need to keep in mind…God is good! It is his “goodness that leads us to repentance”. Romans 2:4 It is his goodness that provides a “stronghold in the day of trouble.” Nahum 1:7 And when we look through the eye of faith and focus on Jesus, we will see that “the earth is filled with his goodness.” Psalms 33:5

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: Blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Psalm 34:8

Pastor Robby