Christian Mission and Poverty

Chapter 1: Early Christian Teaching

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everyone that believes” (Gal 3:24); and not as a slave making slaves, but sons, and brethren, and fellow-heirs, who perform the Father’s will. 10. “If you will be perfect” (Matt 19:21). Consequently he was not yet perfect . . . For choice was the man’s, who was free; but the gift was God’s, who is the Lord. And He gives to those who are willing and are very sincere, and ask, that so their salvation may become their own. For God does not force (for compulsion is repugnant to God), but supplies to those who seek, and give to those who ask, and opens to those who knock. If you will, then, if you really will, and are not deceiving yourself, gain what you lack. One thing is lacking you—the one thing which remains, the good, which is now above the law . . . The one who had fulfilled all the demands of the law from his youth, and had gloried in what was magnificent, was not able to complete the whole with this one thing which was specially required by the Savior, so as to receive the eternal life which he desired. But he departed displeased, distressed by the commandment of life, which is what he had asked for. For he did not truly wish life, as he stated, but aimed at the mere reputation of the good choice. And he was capable of busying himself about many things; but the one thing, the work of life, he was powerless, and unwilling, and unable to accomplish. The Lord said a similar thing to Martha, who was occupied with many things, and distracted and troubled with serving; while she blamed her sister, because, she left her serving and set herself at His feet, devoting her time to learning: “You are troubled about many things, but Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41–42). So also He called him to leave his busy