by Carolyn Schmitt
During our Devotional team discussion, it was agreed that the “context” for each of the scriptures in Chapter 6 referred back to Verse 1 in various ways.
It’s easy to say a word like “context” and have only a general idea of what it means, I have looked up the definition, both where the word originally came from and how it is used today: The word “context” is derived from the Latin words, con which means (together) and tigere which means (to weave); so context means to weave together.
My writing assignment was to find what connects with the verses Matthew 6:19-24, so I researched the word, “context”. Frankly, my research was overwhelming, since words, their extended meanings and uses, change over the centuries.
As I have pondered “context”, it seems to me that it “weaves together” the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How questions we can ask ourselves as we study to live each day, “In the way of Jesus, with the heart of Jesus.”
“Be [very] careful not to do your good deeds publicly, to be seen by men; otherwise you will have no reward [prepared and awaiting you] with your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 6:1 AMP
Each of the following sections has been well written about by one of our Devotional team members. As you read each one, think about how it refers back to verse one and what it means in the “context” of your own life.
(Tuesday) “Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 AMP
(Wednesday) “The eye is the lamp of the body; so if your eye is clear ([spiritually perceptive], your whole body will be full of light [benefiting from God’s precepts]. But if your eye is bad [spiritually blind], your whole body will be full of darkness [devoid of God’s precepts]. So if the [very] light inside you [your inner self, your heart, your conscience] is darkness, how great and terrible is that darkness! Matthew 6: 22-23 AMP
(Thursday) “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord]. Matthew 6:24 AMP
Note. To access scripture links that don’t appear in the email version, read the web version in your browser.
