Headed towards the eye

¹⁷ “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

¹⁸ “Which ones?” he inquired. Matthew 19:17 – 18a, NIV

This first part of verse 18 really caught my eye this morning. “Which ones?”. Boy, don’t I say that! Though the rich young ruler may have been asking in earnest, I often ask the same question with a different goal in mind.

What is the minimum that I can do and still get the desired result?

In this passage from Matthew, Jesus goes on to challenge the young man to make what would be for him, the ultimate sacrifice–to give up all of his possessions and follow Him (see Matthew 19:16 – 30). There are many great resources to help you understand this story as it relates to your own spiritual journeys, but I’d like to pivot for a moment and apply these words to other pursuits.

If I want to take hold of my wellness and really make a lasting change, I can’t keep asking “Which ones?”. Which ones do I have to eat? Which ones do I have to do? Which days do I have to be all in?

What if the answer is all of them?

Will I “go away sad” as the rich young ruler did?

Jesus said, “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:24 Note, He is describing someone who is rich, who has plenty, who has things and comforts and all of the basic needs met. For that person, it is difficult to enter a kingdom where something much greater is promised, but may as yet be unseen (i.e. John 3:16, Phil 4:7 and so much more!)

I believe I have been looking at health and fitness in this same way. Maybe you have too? I would guess, dear reader, that you are situated in the US or some first world country where your basic needs are met. And that for most of us, we are surrounded by much. The promises of a healthier lifestyle are seen–on TV, in glossy magazines, all over the Internet, but that portrait is really just a marketing ploy. No, the real benefits of a healthier lifestyle are deeper, in how we feel both physically and emotionally–yet unseen to each of us, but promised.

Will I follow wise guidance to a healthier me? Or will I go away sad and unchanged? I’m going to stop asking “Which ones?” and start following. God first, and solid health guidance after.

I love the way God uses ordinary struggles in our life to further illuminate his word, don’t you? Now…to find that solid health guidance!

What about you?  Have you been asking, "which ones?". Have you found a way to push past that, towards obedience?  I'd love to hear about your journey.  How do you get through your own hesitancy?