Daily Devotionals

Realigning Our Priorities 

Posted in Spiritual Growth

Scripture: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal: but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6: 19-23

 

Where are our hearts? Where are our thoughts? What fills up our calendars? What do we most treasure?

 

It is hard to avoid the temptation of “keeping up with the Jones.” It’s hard to resist the latest creature comfort, the latest style, or the most up-to-date technology. No one can deny there are real benefits of many of our modern conveniences, and I find myself guilty of all these temptations.

 

Yet, in Matthew 6, Jesus states, “No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”

 

We as Christians are called to a different path. Ponder Christ’s own life. I do not know of any references to his having his own home or possessions. He put his entire faith in God to provide his sustenance and shelter.

 

Of course, we cannot avoid the responsibilities of providing shelter and sustenance for our families. However, I am seeking a realignment of my own priorities, in order to better focus on the true “abundant life,” which is found solely in Christ.

 

How can I, a person of faith, move closer toward his example? Focusing on Christ, the example of his life, and his teachings is compelling. He offers joy and peace that truly exceed all understanding. Conversely, the accumulation of possessions (which often possess us) prevents our living as freely as we are called to do. Furthermore, the overconsumption and wastefulness of modern life are fueling the degradation of our exquisite planet, which scientists warn is an existential crisis.

 

I do not know of a modern convenience, a gadget, a job, a position, or a possession that connects us to our creator as does the experience of a sunrise, a full moon, a star-filled sky, a pristine beach, the comfort of a genuine and abiding relationship, or the birth and love of a child.

 

Prayer:  Dear Holy Father, Almighty Creator, and Source of all Life– thank you for all the ways you provide for us through your majestic creation. Please strengthen us as we focus on living as Jesus Christ called us to live. Please help us simplify and focus on that which truly matters. Please help us tread ever so gently on your majestic creation, and love one another as you love us. May our lives glorify You. Amen.

 

Submitted by Kappy Hubbard