Behind Closed Doorsનમૂનો

Day 4) Consumption

Three Things That Shape Your Perspective

1) The Stuff You Buy

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV)

While there is nothing inherently wrong with having nice things, the problem arises when those nice things have us. In other words, if there is something you own that is hindering your ability to walk in surrender to God (or if there is something you want to buy that is consuming your thought life), you must make the difficult decision to remove that “treasure on earth”. “Treasure in heaven” refers to pursuits that have eternal significance—the most important of which is telling as many people as possible about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While we can’t take fancy jewelry or expensive cars with us to heaven, we can take people if they place their faith in Jesus!

2) The Content You Consume

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23 ESV)

What you lay your eyes on has a dramatic impact on how you view the world. If the things you look at are honoring to God, then it’s likely that your life will reflect His will. However, if you allow harmful influences such as inappropriate media, unbiblical ideologies or toxic relationships into your life, your perspective will be shaped by the kingdom of darkness (Satan) rather than the kingdom of light (Jesus).

3) The Master You Obey

“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.” (Matthew 6:24 ESV)

Jesus concludes His teaching on consumption with a clear and sobering truth: you can only serve one master. If you're unsure of who or what you are serving, consider how you spend your time, how you spend your money, and the future goals you are pursuing. If these areas are centered on your relationship with God and the purpose He has called you to, it’s a strong indication that you are living with an awareness that Jesus is your master. However, if these three questions lead you to a different conclusion, it’s essential to look inward and ask yourself honestly: Who (or what) am I living for?

Big Idea: What you consume, whether through possessions, media, or ambition, shapes the direction of your life. You cannot serve both God and the things of this world, and your choices will reveal who your true master is!

Let’s Think About This:

Question 1) What is one "treasure on earth" that might be competing with your devotion to God?

Question 2) How does the content you regularly consume shape your thoughts, attitudes, and spiritual health?

Question 3) If someone looked at your time, money, and goals, who would they say you are serving: God, or something else?