Today was one of those days where there is a lot of instruction from Jesus for us - primarily it is more important to be 'rich in our relationship with Him' rather than 'rich in worldly wealth'.
12:21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
And He also tells us not to worry about our daily needs - He is fully aware of them and will provide them, IF we make the kingdom of God our primary concern.
12:29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
And then finally, He tells us to be watching and waiting for His return. If we could just keep that one simple thought in the forefront of our minds, how would it change what we do?
12:35 “Be dressed for service and well prepared, 36 as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. 37 The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! 38 He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.
39 “Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. 40 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
And then as I read this next passage, I thought of yesterday and of a temptation I had. I was cleaning out the game cupboard and a Halloween card from last year fell out from the pile of games. It was for Cooper from his grandparents, and in the card was a $1 bill. I contemplated keeping it. I rationalized that I give so much to Cooper that I was justified, and that if he hadn't cared enough to take care of it a year ago, why should I bother giving it to him. But even though I wouldn't read the following passage until today, I have learned that I don't want anything to hinder my relationship with God. It was his money, and if I took it, no matter how much I rationalized it, I would be stealing. So when he came home from school I gave it too him, and showed him that it fell out of the game cupboard that I had just organized. God sees us - He knows everything we do. I desire to live a life that is obedient and pleasing to Him. There are areas of my attitude that are just as displeasing as stealing - those are the areas I need to surrender to Him. Jesus, please help me to honor You in that area of my life.
16:10 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. 11 And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? 12 And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?
And then, a reminder of how our attitude should be in serving Him:
17:7 “When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’? 8 No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’ 9 And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. 10 In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”
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