Give Up Control of Your Desires
Matthew 6:28-34
Saturday, February 24th
I once lived in a neighborhood where nearly every home owner had a dog. Most of the dogs were confined inside fences, but a few of the dogs were rather unrestrained and they loved to chase cars. Any time I drove past a certain house, I knew that the dogs would come barreling out on to the road barking and snarling, seemingly determined to catch my car and devour it. I often wondered what would happen if they actually caught my car. Would they really take a bite of it? If they would, I am guessing that they would not find the vehicle very tasty nor nutritious.
The term“ rat race” is often used to describe modern life on planet earth. We see all kinds of people chasing all kinds of stuff all over the place. Many people on earth live like those dogs from my neighborhood: chasing and chasing and chasing, but never really catching and never really reaching what they are after. Additionally, they chase after things that can never fulfill them. The life theme of many people seems to be“ I NEED MORE STUFF!” or“ I NEED BETTER STUFF!” We can easily get caught up in this chase too, because we are surrounded by more stuff and better stuff and by people telling us that we NEED MORE. Stuff is so shiny and tantalizing. But does more and better stuff really make life better? It may make it more convenient... sort of. It may make it more efficient … for a time. However, does stuff really bring fulfillment? Nope. It cannot. The very nature of stuff is that it is here today and gone tomorrow. So when we do finally catch it, we find out that it was, well, rather disappointing.
Our reading for today, however, tells us about something that is never disappointing and that always brings fulfillment: God’ s kingdom and his righteousness. God’ s kingdom and righteousness are never disappointing because God is not short-lived. He is eternal. Therefore, he can fulfill us eternally. God’ s kingdom is not about a short-lived connection with MORE STUFF, but about an eternal connection with the Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier of our souls. God’ s righteousness is not about convenience, but fulfillment … true fulfillment. And it’ s all ours through Jesus. So, stop chasing cars … and any other stuff. Instead,“ Seek God’ s kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Prayer: Dear Almighty Lord, thank you for bringing us into your kingdom and making us righteous through Jesus. Forgive us for the times when we chase after stuff instead of seeking your kingdom. Help us to seek you first all the days of our lives. Amen.
Activity: Write down how you spent your time today. If someone was to look at your list, what would they say you are chasing? Now, tell each other where and how you will specifically seek God’ s kingdom and his righteousness tomorrow.
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