Week 5- Matthew 6:19-34– Our Outlook on Life
Verses: Matthew 6:19-34, with parallels found in Luke 11:34-36, Luke16:13,
Luke 12:22-31, I Timothy 6:17-19.
What is your attitude on life? Does everything bad always happen to you? Why? Do you see the glass as half empty or half full?
I love the last question because my answer isn’t usually listed. Every thing isn’t always a black/white answer; it isn’t half full or half empty – it just is. Have you ever thought that you have SOME water? You were blessed with water – the amount – does it matter. You have enough water to quench your thirst, don’t you? Now, look at verses 19-24 – what is your perspective on life? Do you expect your glass to be full and are disappointed it is only half full? Do you expect your glass is always empty and are surprised to see you have any water at all? God in this section is trying to tell us that we have limited outlooks on life. Have you figured out yet that not all things are dark or light, some things just are?
You see if you think about it, if you are storing up water – you expect to get a full glass some day. You don’t want to waste your water on someone in need of water, and then you wouldn’t have any. If you are storing water – aren’t you storing up things here on Earth where it can be stolen?
So much could be discussed here about worldly goods – money, clothes, food, and our time. Time? Yes, our time – how do we spend our time? You see, not all that Jesus is talking about in this section is about possessions. Our time can be stolen from us too! Traffic jams, and lines seem like two good time wasters, don’t they?
Let’s look at verse 25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.” Why not worry? Well, look at verses 33-34 “33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Yes this section of scriptures discusses our attitudes on life. How do you measure up? Do you let God provide or do you work to make sure you have all that you need? Is there a difference or is your job God’s way of providing? How do you tell the difference?
These are great questions – how about some answers and insights for
you all this week?
If you are receiving this thru the yahoo group posting – then hit
“reply” and share your answers for all to read. If that is too
intimidating or you get the study from somewhere else, you can email me
at either alycekeener@yahoo.com
or vicarofwoodstock@aol.com
and I will post your comments and insights (you can remain anonymous this
way too, if you want, just let me know).
I look forward to hearing from some of you. I know that many of you read
this, and I thank you.
alyce