Pride

"What I need is a life I can be proud of."

Just a phrase that comes along in this episode of The Chosen. It speaks of longing. Longing for a fulfilled life. A good life. But how do you get that?

The person uttering this sentence is Judas. He and his associate have just made a good deal. The money is in. But does it give fulfillment? Apparently not.

Today, we look at something similar. Jesus warns about the deceitfulness of money. He talks about "the Mammon," which stands for money and possessions. You cannot serve the Mammon and be My disciple, says Jesus.

That which often catches our attention is what we see and can feel. Maybe that's your own stuff, or maybe just your neighbor's. Before you know it, you are collecting them.

Exactly, that is the Mammon. The "rat-race" of the world. And whether it gives fulfillment? No, not really. There is always more, something new, and you get very tired of it.

In the words of Jesus, "Is life no more than food and the body no more than clothing?" Herein lies an invitation from Jesus. What are you focusing on?

A little further on, Jesus gives a command and invitation, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you with it" (verse 33).

There is more to live for than money. There is more to live for than food. There is more to live for than "more and more." And yes, Jesus knows what you need. In this beautiful verse, you have the promise that He will provide for you.

Be proud.

Not on what you have done or achieved.

But on the Lord you follow and Who does His work through you.

Take the following questions to think about:

• What are you going for?
• What would you like right now?
• What would Jesus like you to do?
• What does Matthew 6 verse 33 tell you?

Prayer: "Lord, I realize that the Mammon is closer than I often realize. That he pulls on me harder than I often see. Lord, I turn to You again. I want to live only for You and for Your Kingdom. To seek Your righteousness. But I realize I can't do that alone. Help me, without being distracted, to focus on what You want me to focus on. Thank You that You want to provide everything necessary for that. Amen."