The best way to radically change your life is with God as your partner. Have we put God first in all things? Do we seek his kingdom and his righteousness?
Today's text is a familiar one. Many church members have it memorized, and we teach it to our children as a basic truth by which to live. It's likely that you learned it in song at children's camp or in Sunday School.
Let's look at the passage in its broader context. We all want "these things" to be added to us, but (without looking it up) do you know what things "these things" are?
Okay...if you knew the answer, give yourself a pat on the back. If not, here it is:
Therefore take no thought , saying , What shall we eat ? or, What shall we drink ? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed ? - Matthew 6:31
In this verse, Jesus laid out "these things" He was talking about:
FOOD
DRINK
CLOTHES
Have we learned to seek God first and not be distracted by running after these other things? None of these things are, of themselves, bad, and they're definitely things we all need. They only become a hindrance when we spend our time dwelling on them and worrying aobut where they're going to come from.
God says to us that we need to keep our eyes, our thoughts, and our concern on the big picture: his kingdom and righteousness. Keep prusuing the important things because God is more than big enough to take care of the little stuff like our basic needs.
ACTIONS FOR TODAY'S DEVOTIONAL
Take one or all of these actions to build on the lesson.
Memorize Matthew 6:33
Talk to God today in a personal time of prayer, especially if it's not your usual habit.
Examine your life and see if you have one of the "temptations, addictions, or distractions" mentioned in the book, and decide whether to get rid of it if necessary, or if it needs to simply be relegated to a lesser place - AFTER God.
POINTS FOR DISCUSSION
Please answer one or more of these questions below in the comments if you feel so led.
When have you consulted God before making a big decision - and been glad that you did?
When and where do you like to pray daily?
What have you been worried about that you need to quit worrying about and allow God to provide?
I'll start:
ReplyDeleteWe prayed long and hard about whether to buy our house when the opportunity presented itself, and we felt it was God's leading to do so. Since then, we've been blessed with a nice neighborhood, wonderful neighbors, and a loving church family!