Now someone approached him and said, "Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?" He answered him, "Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments." He asked him, "Which ones?" And Jesus replied, " 'You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother'; and 'you shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" The young man said to him, "All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to (the) poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. (Mt 19:16-22)
It is enough to keep the commandments to enter into life. Yes, commandments are life oriented. Observing the commandments are sufficient enough to lead one to life. Here, interestingly Jesus answers the question of the young man. When the young man questioned him regarding the commandments Jesus replied narrating the commandments one by one. Jesus implied that the observing of these commandments would lead him to life.
But to be perfect, there is need for much more. Observation of the commandments would not be sufficient to make one perfect. Perfection comes only by giving up things of this earth and building up treasures in heaven. Does this mean that earthly things do not help one to be perfect? Earthly things are only to help to live in this world.
Commandments are good in themselves and they are helpful to achieve life. Perfection and following of Jesus need, to leave behind the things of this world. Earthly things are in no way useful in the other world. Attachment to God and following of Jesus are the key to perfection.
