A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’”
“All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy.

Many of us have heard others speak to those in authority or of perceived importance with flattering words. Even our courts and government designate the title “Honorable” on judges and rulers. Many times this attempt to compliment another is followed by a suggestion that they return the favor.

Jesus saw right through this man’s attempt at flattery and called him out at once. After he called him “Good Teacher” (flattery attempted), he said: “No one is good—except God alone.” Jesus might have had in his mind this passage from ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭3‬: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.”

This reminds me of how when Satan tempted Jesus he replied with scripture to call out the half-truths or lies. This man is asked if he kept the commandments. And instead of being humble and admitting that the heart of these commandments he likely broke at one time or another, he uses a technical answer to say he has kept them all. Jesus exposes him for the hypocrite he is. He tells him to give up his idol of money and follow him. But the man cannot give this up. Why? It is simply because he would rather rely on his money and keep his arrogance than humble himself and trust the Almighty God to provide for him.

A twofold warning is here for all of us: 1) Do not use your wealth only for your selfish means, to gain title, importance, and significance in this world. Instead, use it to bless others as directed by God. After all, loving others truly is caring for their needs. 2) Do not attempt to flatter your way into recognition with God-fearing people. They will call you out in an instant.

Lord, thank you for this parable that helps us see your perception into the heart motives of mankind. You know what we idolize and hide from you. You know my “holdbacks”. Open up my heart, and do your heart surgery, I pray. Operate and cut out the selfish ways within me. Purify me for your service, Lord! I want to be a trusted vessel in your hands.