DEVOTION – DAY 448

Matthew 6:31-34 “Living Righteously”

Matthew 6:31-34 “So, do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Jesus reminded everyone that they should not be distracted with things that do not matter. Sadly, many people do not heed His teaching about this. Many people continue to be concerned about what they will eat or drink or wear today. Material things continue to distract people and occupy their time. The desire to satisfy their material needs also causes people to worry unnecessarily. In Jesus’ day, that was the case as well. That was why Jesus told everyone that they should not be distracted with material things like food, drink or clothing. Instead, what they should be focusing on was to live a righteous life pleasing to God. Verse 33 “seek first His kingdom and righteousness” should be how everyone would want to spend their day. Jesus reminded everyone that there was no need to worry about future needs because God knows what we need and He will provide for our basic needs. All we need to do is to live righteously, to obey and worship God. 

Steve Jobs was the CEO of Apple Inc from 1997 to 2011. He also co-founded the company. He was known for his visionary direction that created products that won the world over. IPhones, IPads, IPods, IMacs etc have all become sought after products that commanded high prices across the world. He amassed great wealth and fortune and he was one of the richest men in USA. However, his world came crashing down when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2003. He refused surgery for 9 months and instead turned to alternative medicine like acupuncture, bowel cleansing and a strict vegetarian diet. His tumor did not shrink and he eventually agreed to surgery to have the tumor removed. But he did not have chemotherapy or targeted therapy. Two years later, he suffered a relapse and he eventually died in 2011. He acknowledged towards the end of his life that all his wealth was useless in prolonging his life. He would never see his children grow up. He regretted that he did not spend more time in building relationships and memories with them, or leave a lasting legacy that really matters. He was an example of someone who had lived for himself only to discover that the hollowness of that kind of life but by then, it was too late. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for providing for our needs. Please help us to stay away from material distractions and instead seek first your Kingdom and your righteousness all the days of our lives. We humbly ask this in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. On what do you spend your time and focus on in life? Share.
  2. If living righteously and staying close to God is not your focus, what steps will you take to change that to be your focus?
  3. Why is it important to seek first God’s Kingdom and righteousness over all things? Discuss.
  4. What are some ways you can live righteously today?