Sunday: Treasures in Heaven — Matthew 6:19-21
The Christian must consider both the negative and positive aspects of this teaching. The danger Jesus spoke of is as much for the poor as for the rich, for it is our attitude toward possessions that is the real problem. It isn’t wrong to have things, but things must never have us. Treasures can be anything: money, positions, friends, family, hobbies, careers, businesses, etc. Paul teaches in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 about the right attitude a Christian should have toward wealth and possessions, and how we (as good stewards), should use these as a blessing to others in need.
Monday: The Lamp of the Body — Matthew 6:22-23
Anything we’ll allow into our vision will eventually control our thoughts. Anything that controls our thoughts will eventually become the passion of our hearts. Anything that becomes the passion of our hearts will control our attitudes, our will, and all of our relationships, especially our relationship with God. If being saved only meant we were religious, then it wouldn’t matter if we polluted our lives with worldliness. But Jesus says it does matter. If the eye isn’t “single,” then our lives are full of darkness.
Tuesday: Serving Two Masters? — Matthew 6:24
It is impossible to serve God and mammon. If God isn’t totally our Lord, then He isn’t our Lord at all. We must serve Him exclusively. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 proclaimed, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (See also Matthew 10:37).” But sin deceives. It blinds us to the temporary nature of the world and the cheapness of worldly things, it deceives us into trying to mix worldliness with godliness, and it makes us slaves to things meant to serve us. Worst of all, sin entirely ruins us. It leaves us at the end of our lives with nothing. How tragic when a man finds himself without eternal life, and under God’s wrath.
Wednesday: God’s Faithful Provision — Matthew 6:25-27
The statement, “Take no thought…” (Matthew 6:27 KJV), really means, “don’t be anxious” or “don’t worry.” A farmer must plant if he is to reap; a man must work if he is to eat. We must be good stewards, but we aren’t to be overwhelmed with worry. God has granted us life, and He will sustain life. Let’s understand that to be anxious about worldly things is to question God’s faithfulness. Do we trust Him?
Thursday: God’s Beautiful Provision — Matthew 6:28-30
Not only can we rely on the constancy of God’s provision, but also on its beauty and perfection. Have you stopped to admire the beauty of a lily? Have you marveled at its delicacy, wondered at the soft blending of its colors? The lily didn’t clothe itself; it was the work of God. He loves you much more than a flower. Don’t you believe He has a beautiful, perfect provision just for you?
Friday: Be Different! — Matthew 6:31-32
One of the greatest opportunities the Christian has in life is to live differently. The term Jesus used here, “Gentiles,” actually means “the heathen.” Many heathens were godless, and those who believed in deity had a warped view of it. They couldn’t rely on their gods to love or care for them. But the Christian is to live life with faith in the certainty of God’s perfect love and provision. We can—we are—to be different.
Saturday: Seek First — Matthew 6:33-34
If we are to concentrate on anything in life, it should be on our relationship with God. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). How can we seek God and the things of righteousness if we are filled with anxiety about the cares of the world? We must believe God, and pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11), and stop worrying about our tomorrows. God will take care of us!