Jesus: The Great Intruder... of our Needs

I have a lot of stuff. When I say that I mean not only material things; I also mean friends and hope and resources of many different types. I have a loving family and I have the ability to read. I have a job with an income and I know that I have a loving God. I have a car, a bike, a portable ice house, two backpacks and a place in God’s family. I really have a lot of stuff.

At this point in my life I have come to realize that all of that stuff takes time if it is going to be a part of my life. Most of the stuff will need to be maintained and “used” in one way or another if it is actually going to be a part of my life. For instance, if I chose not to put gas in my car I would not be able to actually drive it or if I never actually put the backpacks on and hiked they would just be occupying space but not truly be a part of my life.

When contemplating all this stuff it begs the question – what do I really need or want? Whether it is time or money or space or energy, we only have so much to allocate or seek after. What will it be for me? What do I need so that I can invest my life in a way that matters? What do I want that will bring me peace and joy?

All of us need to be honest with ourselves. Sometimes we are pursuing things that are fully in line with our God and other times we are chasing after things that are actually leading us away from our God. For instance, we can seek a job that will allow us to serve God in new and exciting ways or we can pursue that same job so that we look better than others. I can prepare a message for this upcoming Sunday to make people think I am really smart or I can prepare a message so that people are hopefully strengthened in their faith. God always knows the difference even when I am slow to catch on. What do I want and what am I seeking?

Jesus invites us in Matthew 6 to have the proper perspective on what we seek after and what we want for our lives. If our desires line up with Jesus’ words we will find freedom and joy as we live out our days.

• 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also….24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other…. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Lord Jesus, May I want what you want for me,
Pastor Nick