Daily Devotional
Are You Seeking Success or Maturity?
“For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matthew 6:32-33
October 12, 2023
Ponder This
What really motivates you? What are your personal goals? Is the first thing in your life to be a godly person? To seek the kingdom of God? Or are you trying to be a successful person? Are you more consumed with material things than spiritual things? Have you tried to put God in second place when the Bible says: “Seek first the kingdom of God?” Your eyes look around, and you say, “I need this; and I want that.” That’s the lust of the eyes. Are you more concerned about the schools your children graduate from and their degrees and successes, or about their holy, godly character? Are there any material possessions you would not depart with for the glory of God? Are you more interested in the lives of the rich and famous than the lives of the righteous and faithful?
The lust of the flesh deals with doing. The lust of the eyes deals with having. And the pride of life deals with being. This world says, “Be somebody.” It says, “Be recognized; get a name for yourself.” So many young couples are in difficulty today because of the pride of life. Do you think you have to be noticed? May I encourage you? In Christ, you have all you need. He will keep supplying your needs. He should be your top priority; He should be your motivation.
- What things motivate you in a worldly way? Why can these things never truly fulfill you?
- What does it look like practically to seek first the kingdom of God?
Practice This
Talk to a close friend and ask him or her what motivations he or she sees in you. Pray and consider how you need to surrender your motivations to God.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
