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Matt. 6:25-34
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. If someone were to ask you, “What is your highest priority in life? How would you answer? Let me ask the question in a different way; what is your highest priority in life as a Christian? For all those who call themselves Christians, the answers should be the same! If your highest priority in life, and in your Christian life are not the same, you have divided loyalties! You are living in Matt. 6:24 trying to serve two masters! Jesus says that can’t be done, because you will love one master and hate the other, while being devoted to one master and despising the other. Here is a truth for you: All priorities can be listed under only two titles – God or self! If your highest priorities arise from a heart focused on you, no matter whether you call yourself a Christian or not, your life will be unstable because it will constantly be in a constant state of divided loyalties! One the other hand when a person’s highest priority in life is found in Eccl. 12:12, 13 = to “fear God and keep His commandments” their life is kept secure because the peace of God that passes understanding keeps that heart in Christ Jesus.
Scripture provides what could be considered two life-giving priorities that guarantee a person, not just financial success and security, but success and security in every area of life. The first is from Solomon. When he had lived his whole life as the wisest, richest man ever to walk the earth, he came to this conclusion concerning man’s highest priority: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” Jesus gives the 2nd truth for planning your priorities in life. When He began His ministry, He said the highest priority in a person’s life must be to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…”I’m using an outline from a godly pastor whose book I recently read on this subject.
WHAT MOTIVATES MY GIVING? The simple answer to that question is determined by my attitude concerning my relationship to God. A Christian has experienced God’s giving in salvation and gives to Him from a grateful heart. True stewardship begins in seeking God’s Kingdom 1st. Jesus points out 2 truths in His statement: 1st we must know what is important. The 2nd truth is: once we have determined what is important, we must seek it, or actually get up and do something to obtain what is important to us! Often we try to determine our spirituality by our prayer lives or Bible reading; but our check stubs are a more accurate barometer of what is really important to us.” So what is it that really motivates your giving?
WHAT MOTIVATES MY DIRECTION? I like the way one author makes the point here when he says, “just as a burglar never finds a police officer; and boys/girls cutting school never find a teacher, so those who refuse to submit the Lordship of Christ never “find” His blessings. Read Ps. 119:9-16. David was motivated with his whole heart to follow God and His commandments. So where are you headed, in your heart, today?
WHAT MOTIVATES MY LIFE? One writer says, “People can tell what we live for by who we serve.” When anything in this world, whether it is material possessions or self-aggrandizement, causes greater motivation to gain than a life pleasing to God, failure is not far away! Jesus tells us we just can’t serve 2 masters. So what is it that drives your life- you or God? Here is a question that will cause you some thought:
WHAT WILL I DIE FOR? Have you ever given serious thought to that question? Dwight L. Moody said, “People have not found something worth living for, until they have found something worth dying for!” Again, it is not someONE, it is someTHING! In Matt. 6:25-32 Jesus is not telling us we shouldn’t plan for the future in a prudent and wise manner as God tells us. Jesus is telling us not to get all worked up and stressed out over things in this world. He tells Christians not to be bothered by worldly things because the unsaved are encumbered by them, and we, as citizens of heaven are not to be focused on temporary things, but on heavenly and eternal things. What will you die for? The answer to that question is whatever you are living for? Is that worth your life?
If we can help you with your spiritual questions, call us at 574-643-9419.
