Don’t Worry, Serve Happily

Memory Verse:  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

Monday: Matthew 6:24
Jesus says we can have only one master. We live in a materialistic society where people serve money. They spend all of their lives collecting and storing it, only to die and leave it behind. Their desire for money and what it can buy far outweighs their commitment to God and spiritual matters. Whatever you store up, you will spend much of your time and energy thinking about. Don't fall into the materialistic trap, because "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1Timothy 6:10) Can you honestly say that God and not money is your master? One test is to ask which one occupies more of your thoughts, time, and efforts.

Tuesday: Matthew 6:24
Jesus contrasted heavenly values with earthly values when he explained that our first loyalty should be to those things that do not fade, can not to be stolen or used up, and never wear out. We should not be fascinated with our possessions, lest they possess us. This means we may have to do some cutting back if our possessions are becoming too important to us. Jesus is calling for a decision that allows us to live contentedly with whatever we have because we have chosen what is eternal and lasting.

Wednesday:  Matthew 6:25
Because of the ill effects of worry, Jesus tells us not to worry about those needs that God promises to supply. Worry may (1) damage your health, (2) cause the object of your worry to consume your thoughts, (3) disrupt your productivity, (4) negatively affect the way you treat others, and (5) reduce your ability to trust in God. How many ill effects of worry are you experiencing? Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern- worry immobilizes, but concern moves you to action.

Thursday: Matthew 6:33
To "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" means to turn first to God for help, to fill your thoughts with His desires, to take His character for your pattern and to serve and obey Him in everything. What is really important to you? People, objects, goals, and other desires all compete for priority. Any of these can quickly bump God out of first place if you don't actively choose to give Him first place in every area of your life.

Friday: Matthew 6:34
Planning for tomorrow is time well spent; worrying about tomorrow is time wasted. Sometimes it's difficult to tell the difference. Careful planning is thinking ahead about goals, steps, and schedules, and trusting in God's guidance. When done well, planning can help alleviate worry. Worriers, by contrast, are consumed by fear and will find it difficult to trust God. They let their plans interfere with their relationship with God. Don't let worries about tomorrow affect your relationship with God today.