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Seeking God—Not Things!

But remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your forefathers, as it is today. Deuteronomy 8:18

God holds back ‘…no good from those who do what is right’ (Psalm 84:11). But it’s important to acknowledge Him as the source of all your blessings. And on this one (and of course on all the others as well) we all fall short. Let’s face it, more isn’t always better. In fact, your dependence on God lessens as your dependence on things increases. That’s why Levitical Law discouraged empire-building. In the Old Testament, loans to the poor were to be interest-free (Exodus 22:25); outstanding debts cancelled every seven years (Deuteronomy 15:1-2); slaves freed and given the means to start over (Deuteronomy 15:12-14); repossessed land redeemed by family (Leviticus 25:25); and property that was sold, or lost and not redeemed, returned to its original owner (Leviticus 25:14-17). Why? Because God wanted His people to depend on Him, not possessions. So He cautioned them, ‘When…all you have is multiplied…You may say…“My power and…strength…have produced this”…remember the Lord…gives you the ability to produce wealth…’ (Deuteronomy 8:13-18). God’s principles haven’t changed. Andy Stanley points out that a list of do’s and don’ts is like having a man giving you directions. If he hands you a map, you focus on it, but when you’re following the man you focus on him. The Bible doesn’t say that God is a reward of those diligently seeking ‘things’. No. It says, ‘…He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him’ (Hebrews 11:6). Bottom line: if you’re depending on anything but God, you’ll always struggle. ‘Don’t worry about these things…your heavenly Father already knows…and…will give you everything you need’ (Matthew 6:31-33).

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help keep the clutter of things out of my life so I can be free to serve You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen