Pride Of Life

[Albert Finch]

1 Corinthians 1:31 -- As it says in the scriptures, "If anyone is going to boast, let him boast only of what the Lord has done."

If someone were to ask us, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" we would probably tell him, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved."

A rich young ruler asked Jesus the same question but instead of telling the man to believe in Him, Jesus gave him the law (Mark10:17-22).

Jesus saw that the young ruler lived his life taking pride in his ability to keep the law to earn salvation and the favor of God. But because of His love for the man, Jesus had to show him that those who live by the law must realize that their self-efforts cannot save them.

So Jesus had to tell him, "One thing you lack....sell whatever you have and give to the poor... and come... and follow Me." When the young ruler heard that, he walked away sorrowful.

When we boast of having kept the law, it will always point out something we lack or have failed to obey. The law is so holy and perfect that if we don't keep even one small part of it, it has no choice but to judge and curse us. (Galatians 3:10). That is what the law was designed to do.

Let's boast only in Jesus' finished work on the cross -- that He is our strength, health, favor, prosperity, wisdom, hope, salvation, and glory. That is how we will see ourselves enjoying our inheritance of abundant life!