Who's Got the Goods?

We mentioned a moment last week at The Sports Page where we explained to a server we were not good.  As best we remember, she told us we were for some reason.  So she was startled when we denied it.

Why turn down that sort of compliment?  Well, we're simply following a Biblical example....

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him.  "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"  "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered.  "No one is good -- except God alone." - Matthew 19:16-17

Admittedly, there are several ways to look at both the question and the answer.  The man who approached Jesus is known famously in the Bible as "the rich young ruler" (see Luke 18:18).  Some might say he was trying to "butter up" the Lord, to obtain some kind of blessing -- but we would note the man dropped to both knees, signifying an act of worship.

Yet why wouldn't Jesus accept the salutation, "good teacher"?  After all, Christ admitted later....

"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am." - John 13:13

Jesus seemed to hesitate over being called "good," even though he stood as God in the flesh.  And that may have been the very point.  Christ wanted to see if this young man would acknowledge Him as God.  The young man really didn't, either in word or action:

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go , sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me."  When the young man heard this he went away sad, because he had great wealth. - Matthew 19:21-22

This young man showed he was not ready to obey Jesus fully -- and in fact, his wealth may have become a false god in his life.

Don't get the wrong idea: there's nothing wrong with being good and doing good.  Goodness is listed as one of the "fruit of God's spirit" (Galatians 5:22).  But good deeds should have a focus on giving glory and honor to God, while also showing compassion on other people in need.  To borrow a poker phrase, we "pass the deal" to our Lord.