What the Bible says about Losing One's Life
(From Forerunner Commentary)
First, why did Jesus ask him, "Why do you call Me good?" His underlying question is, "Do you really believe that I am God in the flesh?" Apparently, the man did not, because if he had believed, he would have sacrificed everything to follow Him. Jesus knew that he really did not believe that he was the Son of God.
Second, what did Christ offer him? He offered him a place or position in the Kingdom of God—certainly the opportunity to be in the first resurrection—when He said, "If you want to be perfect, give up all you have and follow Me." It is the same opportunity that has been opened to us, going on to perfection (Hebrews 6:1). We, too, must be willing to give up everything to follow Him: our wealth, positions, possessions, families, and even our lives. Did Christ not say, "He who loses his life for My sake shall find it" (Matthew 10:39)?
This example shows that the young man's fear of losing his security—which was in his possessions, his wealth, and not in God—coupled with his unbelief that Jesus was God in the flesh, caused him to have a troubled heart. It expressed itself as visible sorrow.
We need to understand that—even though we, like this man, may be trying to keep the commandments—destructive fear (as opposed to the fear of God), together with unbelief, can turn us away from following Jesus Christ and cause us to lose our opportunity to be part of God's firstfruits. This is why we must not let ourselves become overwhelmed by our emotions during unsettling times—why Jesus commands us to get a grip on our hearts and let His peace comfort us. For God is "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort" (II Corinthians 1:3).
Clyde Finklea
Overcoming Troubled Hearts (Part One)