Founded by Bryant Wright, Right from the Heart is a
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Tough Pressure on the Family Aug 18 2007
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33
One of the toughest pressures working against the family is materialism. Kids keep the pressure on parents to have what their friends have. Husbands put pressure on their wives to go to work--to keep up with the Jones'--though she may prefer to be at home. Wives often make it clear to husbands how dissatisfied they are with what they have, causing the husband to feel like an unappreciated failure. To top it all off, Madison Avenue adds fuel to the fire by convincing us every product is the gateway to happiness. Materialism, often rationalized as a concern for the family, has a way, unfortunately, of creating enormous dissatisfaction within the family.
Jesus has a better idea. It almost seems un-American in our culture of consumerism: "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness [as described in the Bible] and all these things shall be added unto you." Does that mean we don't work hard? Absolutely not! We are called to work, but it has to do with priorities that help the family stay together.
God unites the family. Materialism pulls it apart.
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3 Comments
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Yes, report it Nevermind24hrs a day on 300 channels we get this message: you are nothing. you are worthless. you are only as good as the clothes you wear and the car you drive and toys you have to distract you from the pain and loneliness. This is the whole point of advertising, to make you believe deep in your core that you are nothin' unless you've got somethin'. Erik sayeth: get rid of the tv, sing hymns together even outside of church, read to each other, be the rare and priceless beauty that you are.
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Yes, report it NevermindJesus modeled being a servant to people by taking care of their personal needs. To follow His example requires time to care for family members. There is not sufficient time to be working extra hours to buy more stuff, shopping for the latest new gadget or fashion and to also be spending needed time with family. A portion of what is purchased may not be of a righteous nature. How much time and money could be saved if people limited their purchases to only those things that qualify as fulfilling righteousness in the sight of God? Thank you for this devotion that reminds me to consider first the kingdom of God and to consider what that looks like in the life of a believer.
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Yes, report it NevermindThis is so true!!! Even when materialism is obtained, as i clearly remember, it was the most unhappy times of my life. My will has never brought peace or happiness. God's glory is so available to us all, all other things do not bring what we think they will. Today, am I working towards God's will? GREAT DEVOTION!!!!!