Tag: lamp

Stewardship 4 – perceptions

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The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on our relationship to and perception of money and material possessions.

Scripture

Matthew 6:22-23

22  “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23  But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

Observations and reflections

Note: Matthew 6:19-34 contain Jesus’ revolutionary teachings on possessions, money and security.  We focus on one or two such teachings each day and consider our own thoughts and actions in the light of his words.

  1. In your own words paraphrase Jesus’ teaching regarding money in these two verses.
  2. Can you think of one word that best summarizes Jesus’ teaching in these two verses?
  3. Give synonyms for “full of light” and “full of darkness” in these verses.
  4. Jesus’ teaching on the “eye” is in the midst of his teaching on money and our relationship to it. How is it that your “eye” can change the whole experience of your life?

Application

Jesus said that your eye (or relationship to money, or your perception of money) will determine your outlook on life.

  1. Jesus teaching demands a choice of attitude adjustment to live a fulfilled life without a change in circumstances. How would you help someone with a “dark” (critical or negative) attitude to make such a change in his/her approach to life?  How can you “train the eye” to adjust one’s reality to “light”?
  2. Take a metaphorical step back and look at your own current situation:
    1. If a really rich person would eat, dress and live with you today, how would he feel?
    2. If a really poor person would eat, dress and live with you today, how would he feel?
    3. How does that challenge your perspective of your own material blessings?
  3. From this teaching of Jesus – what can you do “live in the light” today?

Prayer

Do you have a critical disposition and tend to see the glass half empty? Bring your negative outlook to God and ask him to heal your eyes.  Ask God to help you see his beauty and provision in your life in every circumstance.  Then start right away to make a list of God’s provision and thank him for it.  Do this throughout the day and week – train your eye to see God’s hand in your life!