Have you ever had a moment where you misunderstood something. Not only did you misunderstand but you also acted on that misunderstanding? How did you feel when you realized that you were wrong? Foolish? Ashamed? I have done all of the above, more than a few times. We tend to make our perception our reality. How we perceive a thing, then has the potential to influence our actions.

The same was for the rich man in Luke 18:19-23. The story of the rich leader warns against trusting in riches rather than pledging allegiance to God.

18 Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: “Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” 19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “Only God is truly good.  20 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.’” 21 The man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” 22 When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 23 But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich.

Ok so here is the misunderstanding, In verse 18 and 19 Jesus was exposing the mans’ heart. The man was calling Jesus good as a compliment. Jesus in return challenges the mans understanding of goodness. How can you call me good if you do not know what goodness is? Jesus continues with reciting commandments 5-9. The rich man then claims to have fulfilled the entire law. He was mistaken. He did not understand goodness at all. If the rich man would have understood goodness, he would have known that only God is good. True goodness requires moral perfection.

Again, I say on plenty of occasions I have misunderstood. Yet, in self-confidence I responded or acted in a way based on my understanding. Causing me to humble myself, which I should have done in the beginning.

Question:

What misunderstandings do you have about God? How have you acted as a result?

Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois, 60188. All rights reserved.Learn More About New Living Translation///