Wednesday 4th 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)
Some have said that the pursuit of happiness involves seeking after the greatest personal pleasure whilst doing the least harm to others. The evidence suggests otherwise, and is remarkably close to the wisdom of Jesus. The evidence suggests that happiness is found in seeking the happiness of others. In other words, happiness is the by-product of seeking the welfare of others.
Can you hear the echoes of this in Jesus’ words? I don’t think Jesus would disagree with an attitude that places others before yourself (cf Philippians 2:1-4), but the motivation for doing that comes from putting God first, seeking after His desires rather than pursuing your own. The by-product of such pursuit is that ‘all these things will be given to you as well’ (v33).
Who would have thought…
