Matthew 6: 19-21, 24-34

Stewardship and the Kingdom of God

What is really going to matter 100 years from now? I used to teach with an amazing man who has gone to be with the Lord, but while here, Jim was always a calming force in my life. My father lived in another state, and though he loved me and shared his wisdom with me from time to time, Jim was my dad away from dad. As a young teacher, I would sometimes get upset about things and go to him. Jim would remind me of the importance of staying calm. “The only two things worth getting worked up about are birth and death,” he would say. Though he never referenced the bible, probably because we worked in the public school setting, I discovered at his funeral how his life was driven by God’s word. No wonder he had such peace about him, even though he was often dealing with very significant issues as an administrator.

Matthew 6 reminds us of what is truly important as well, and that worry is futile. If we value that which is eternal rather than the things of this earth, we will be at peace, awaiting our heavenly home. Our birth offers us the opportunity to live for the Lord, and our fate upon death is determined by what we do in between birth and death.

 Jim was so right.

Verse 19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven….. for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Verse 24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hateone and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

Verse 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…”

Verse 27 “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

Verse 33 “But seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

In Philippians 4:4-7 Paul includes these verses, as he ends his letter to the Philippians; “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Amen.

Read/Listen to Matthew 6:19-34