16 And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what [essentially] good thing shall I do to obtain eternal life [that is, eternal salvation in the Messiah’s kingdom]?” 17 Jesus answered, “Why are you asking Me about what is [essentially] good? There is only One who is [essentially] good; but if you wish to enter into eternal life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to Jesus, “Which commandments?” And Jesus answered, “You shall not commit murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not give false testimony; 19 Honor your father and mother; and love your neighbor as yourself” [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others]. 20 The young man said to Him, “I have kept all these things [from my youth]; what do I still lack?” 21 Jesus answered him, “If you wish to be perfect [that is, have the spiritual maturity that accompanies godly character with no moral or ethical deficiencies], go and sell what you have and give [the money] to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me [becoming My disciple, believing and trusting in Me and walking the same path of life that I walk].” 22 But when the young man heard this, he left grieving and distressed, for he owned much property and had many possessions [which he treasured more than his relationship with God].
– MATTHEW 19:16-22
RELATIONAL CAPITAL CAN BE GROWN FOR LIVIN’ THE GOOD LIFE
18 He said to Jesus, “Which commandments?” And Jesus answered, “You shall not commit murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not give false testimony; 19 Honor your father and mother; and love your neighbor as yourself” [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].
– MATTHEW 19:18-19
9 Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends.
– LUKE 16:9
JESUS IS THE CENTER OF THE RELATIONAL CAPITAL WE NEED FOR LIVIN’ THE GOOD LIFE
39 And He came out and went, as was His habit, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed Him. 40 When He arrived at the place [called Gethsemane], He said to them, “Pray continually that you may not fall into temptation.” 41 And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup [of divine wrath] from Me; yet not My will, but [always] Yours be done.”
– LUKE 22:39-42
44 And being in agony [deeply distressed and anguished; almost to the point of death], He prayed more intently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down on the ground.
– LUKE 22:44
26 “But when the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of Truth who comes from the Father, He will testify and bear witness about Me. 27 But you will testify also and be My witnesses, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
– JOHN 15:26-27
4 Such confidence we have through Christ before God. 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
– 2 CORINTHIANS 3:4-6
THIS WEEK’S ACTIVATION:
IT’S NOT ABOUT ME
READ: MATTHEW 19:16-22
- RELATIONAL CAPITAL CAN BE GROWN FOR LIVIN’ THE GOOD LIFE
READ: MATTHEW 19:18-19; LUKE 16:9
ASK:
What have your formative lessons on relational capital been? Where did they come from? Positive or negative?
- JESUS IS THE CENTER OF THE RELATIONAL CAPITAL WE NEED FOR LIVIN’ THE GOOD LIFE
READ: LUKE 22:39-42; LUKE 22:44; JOHN 15:26-27;
ASK:
Have you been intentionally pursuing those people God has put around you to grow relational capital?
PRAY:
Jesus, thank you for your grace for me to live the good life. Forgive me for making relationships about me. Help me to place and keep you at the center of the relationships you have given me to grow. Today, I commit to living with KINGDOM COVENANT RELATIONAL CAPITAL and I will bring to ALL of my relationships.
Amen!