Stewardship 6 – mastery

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on our relationship to God and recognize his faithful provision to us.

Scripture

Matthew 6:24-25

24  No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.  25  Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

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 attitudes and behaviors in the light of his words.

1. In your own words summarize verse 24.
2. How do you understand the link between verses 24 and 25?
3. What does Jesus mean with “[to] serve… money” as master? Give examples.
4. What is the opposite to “do not be anxious” in this context? [hint: consider the verses following…]

Application

Consider two scenarios common today where people become slaves to money:

• Being over-worked for higher salaries to enable “better living standards”.
• Being in debt to enable “better living standards”

1. What is another / more fitting term for “a desire for better living standards”?
2. To which degree are you enslaves yourself to money by these two?
3. What is the problem with being enslaved to money by these two things? [hint: your energy and time is primarily engaged in temporal pursuit at the bidding of those who pay you… so you are not free to…?]
4. What is the solution to escape this enslavement? [hint: if we are enslaved to money by “the desire for more” (covetousness/greed) or “fear of poverty/ lack” (anxiety) – what are the opposite heart conditions…?]
5. How will you respond to today’s choice? What will you do about Jesus’ words today?

Prayer

Ask the Lord to speak to you about your relationship with money – how does He feel about it. Tell the Lord how you feel about trusting Him, and confess the areas where you are anxious for lack and greedy for more.  Ask Him to reveal that to you and deliver you from slavery to money. End by thanking Him for what He freely and faithfully give to you.fa

Stewardship 4 – perceptions

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!

Stewardship 3 – affections and security

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on security and affections relating to possessions.

Scripture

Matthew 6:19-21

19  “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Observations and reflections

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

1. Read the text above again and in your own words summarize Jesus’ teaching regarding money contained in these verses.
2. Regarding the “treasures on earth / in heaven” metaphor:
   1. What are the “treasures on earth”? What does Jesus mean? Give examples of what earthly treasures could be for you.
   2. Why does Jesus say one should not store up “treasures earth”? He mentions two things – but what is his core motive?
   3. What are the “treasures in heaven”? [hints: (1) what are the things God promise to reward eternally? (2) what remains beyond this life?]
   4. What two reasons do Jesus give to motivate the gathering of “heavenly treasures”?
   5. What is the link between one’s treasure and one’s heart?

Application

1. Consider the material possessions you cherish most – list it.
   1. In which ways can it be lost or destroyed?
   2. In the light of our eternity and the temporal nature of earthly things – how significant is this “earthly treasure”?
2. Consider your [attempt at] monetary savings – why do you [desire to] do it?
   1. In the light of Jesus teachings in the text above – how should you consider your money now?
3. What will you do today to “store up treasures in heaven”? Write it down as to-do list.

Prayer

Ask the Lord to give you an eternal perspective that permeates through to your daily decisions.  Pray about your heart’s affections and security regarding earthly treasures.  Bring your desires from more and trust in much to God.  And commit to obey Him and store u treasures in heaven.