Thursday 5th September
Read Matthew 6:31-33
“So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (NIVUK)
This distinctiveness that Jesus insists separates us from the ‘pagans’ is characteristic of those who follow Him. Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones comments on this in his classic commentary in the following way.
“Is it evident to me and to everybody else that I am not a heathen? Is my conduct and my behaviour in life such that it shows I am a Christian? Do I show plainly and clearly that I belong to a higher realm and that I raise everything about me to that realm? ‘After all these things do the pagans seek,’ says our Lord. But you are not Gentiles. Realise what you are; remember who you are and live accordingly. Rise to the level of your faith; be worthy of the high calling in Christ Jesus. Christian people, watch your lips, watch your tongues. We betray ourselves in our conversation, in the things we say, in the things that come out in our unguarded moments. Such behaviour is typical of the pagan; the Christian exercises discipline and control because they see everything in the context of God and of eternity.”
There is truth in this exhortation yet there is also something missing. Can you identify what it is?
