Jesus tells His disciples not to worry about building up earthly wealth, but to focus on building a rich relationship with God. He tells them that their lives should not be consumed with a daily focus on physical needs, because He is the provider. He has provided for all creation, yet we are His masterpiece. He emphasizes that if He takes care of all creation, how much more will He care for us who were made in His image?

• Are you more consumed by desires for earthly gain or by desires for God to move in powerful ways through you? Why?

Many times the reason we are so focused on possessions is because we forget that our God owns everything, and He will provide for us. He feeds the birds and clothes the flowers, which is a great reminder that God will take care of us as well. Those who do not know God are focused on gaining these earthly needs, but we should be different because we know our Father will provide. Not only will He provide, He says it gives Him great pleasure to give us the kingdom. Our focus should not be on temporary, earthly goods, but instead on building God’s kingdom. The issue here is far more than possessions. It is about our heart’s position.