05-Jan-2025 – How to live quality life as a believer?
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? – Matthew 6:27
Today, God is asking a question to set our focus and perspectives right. Can we really think, worry, and be anxious and add anything positive to our life? Here, in the verse, “stature” is used. Stature means, physically, the height of our body, but it also represents the level of respect, status, or prominence a person or organization has achieved. So, God reminds us today not to worry about anything in our life. But why?
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? – Matthew 6:25
In this verse, life is summarized into some important aspects like eating, drinking, and putting on clothes. When we look at them literally, we may think about food and clothing. But if we meditate deeper, we may gain deeper revelation.
Food is important for anyone to live. It is a basic need for survival and the source of our energy to move and act. It is the primary source of life. However, for a human being, life encompasses many things in various contexts. For example, my family is my life, my career is my life, my business is my life, my ambition is my life, my ministry is my life, etc.
All these areas need a source, which is represented by food. To live your family life happily and with contentment, understanding and love between the family members serve as the source of bonding. For your career to flourish and grow, knowledge and wisdom are the sources of success. If you are in ministry, the Word of God is the source of its growth and flourishing.
So, God is saying not to worry about how to keep the family happy and safe, how to accomplish tasks in your career, how to grow your business, or how to manage your ministry, for your Father knows all the things you need.
Next, God talks about water. While solid food is the primary source of energy, water is a secondary but equally important source of life. It acts as a supporting element of life along with food. It also cleanses impurities in the body and regulates the body, adding quality to our lives. In all the examples above, our desire to experience quality is represented by water. For instance, having great family time with cherished memories, enjoying exciting opportunities or recognition in a career, or witnessing the Word of God manifest in ministry growth represents quality.
God recommends us not to worry about the quality of our life. He knows that as humans, we desire to experience the best in our lives.
Lastly, God talks about clothes. Clothes represent reputation. In the world, people often judge others based on the clothes they wear. In various positions, clothing differs to signify status and authority. Thus, clothes symbolize reputation. Everyone strives to have a good reputation for their family, career, and ministry. God knows that as humans, we desire reputation and recognition.
God says not to worry or be anxious about the source, quality, or reputation in your life. Instead, what should we do?
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. – Matthew 6:33
When we look at the kingdom, it is a realm of authority under which our lives are subjected. For example, for small children, their kingdom is the family, and parents are the authority. For that small child, anything that happens will be dealt with within their kingdom. Similarly, for a country, all matters are settled within the jurisdiction of its government because it has the authority.
In the same way, for believers in Jesus Christ, our citizenship is in heaven, and we belong to the heavenly Father’s kingdom. What does seeking the kingdom of God mean? For example, in the world, if you want to build a house, you will go to the registrar’s office, understand the procedures, and submit the required documentation. Similarly, to receive anything from God for our physical and spiritual lives, we need to fulfill the legal requirements of the kingdom of God. What are these legal requirements?
And thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob – Isaiah 60:16
You must always know that God is your Savior, who will save you from any situation. You must know that God is your Redeemer, who will redeem you from any negative situation. You must also know that God is the mighty one who stands for you, provides for you, and fights for you. If you know this truth, you will seek the kingdom of God in any of the situations we referred to in today’s meditation.
Righteousness represents our alignment with the kingdom of God. For example, in the world, during disputes, the first thing checked is legal compliance—whether everything is right from your side. Similarly, righteousness represents our alignment with the requirements of the kingdom of God. What is the requirement of the kingdom of God?
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. – Romans 10:9-11
Jesus is our righteousness, and having faith in Him ensures our compliance with the kingdom of God. In the world, if you are not legally compliant, you will be defeated in court. Similarly, without faith in Jesus Christ, we cannot receive anything from the kingdom of God concerning the aspects discussed in today’s devotional.
May God help us and prepare us to enjoy life with a more practical approach by faith in Jesus Christ, aligning with the Word of God, and seeking His kingdom and righteousness first.
Prayer
Dear loving Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You for the revelation You gave us today from the portion we read. Help us to understand this truth and implement it in our daily lives. Let our family life, career, aspirations, and ministry flourish as we align with You and Your will. Help us, Lord, to walk in this truth. I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!
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