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Read Matthew 7:1–5

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.For you will be treated as you treat others.The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?How can you think of saying to your friend,‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye;then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.Matthew 7:1–5

Read Matthew 6:33–34

Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously,and he will give you everything you need.So don’t worry about tomorrow,for tomorrow will bring its own worries.Today’s trouble is enough for today.”Matthew 6:33–34

Do you really want to live a worry-free life? I mean, are you serious about getting rid of those mental distractions and emotional drains? If so, these concluding verses in Matthew 6 offer the two passwords for entering that new mode of existence: priorities and simplicity.

Priorities

Read Matthew 6:1–34

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear.Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns,for your heavenly Father feeds them.And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”Matthew 6:25–27

Read Matthew 6:19–24; Hebrews 4:13; 1 Timothy 6:17

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God.Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes,and he is the one to whom we are accountable.Hebrews 4:13

Our earthly treasure is not difficult to identify. It would include anything that is tangible and has a price tag. We can see it, touch it, measure it, and enjoy it.

Read Psalm 33:13–15; Matthew 6:4, 6, 18

The Lord looks down from heavenAnd sees the whole human race.From his throne he observesAll who live on the earth.He made their hearts,so he understands everything they do.Psalm 33:13–15

Read Psalm 32:8

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.I will advise you and watch over you.”Psalm 32:8

Jesus has touched on things that are so down to earth and so practical you would think the ink was still wet. They could have been written this very morning. In a sense they were...that’s the way God’s Word is, always alive and active and sharp.

Now, how do we make it happen—come alive—in our lives? Let me give you a couple of suggestions.

Read Matthew 6:16

“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do,for they try to look miserable and disheveledso people will admire them for their fasting.I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.”Matthew 6:16

Just as Jesus dealt with giving and praying, He now deals with fasting—how not to do it, then, how to do it.

Read Psalm 27:8; 91:1; Matthew 6:5

Those who live in the shelter of the Most Highwill find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.Psalm 91:1

When you pray, don’t be like the hypocriteswho love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogueswhere everyone can see them.I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.Matthew 6:5

Read Micah 6:6–8

With what shall I come to the LordAnd bow myself before the God on high?Shall I come to Him with burnt offerings,With yearling calves?Does the Lord take pleasure in thousands of rams,In ten thousand rivers of oil?Shall I give Him my firstborn for my wrongdoings,The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?He has told you, mortal one, what is good;And what does the Lord require of youBut to do justice, to love kindness,And to walk humbly with your God?Micah 6:6–8 NASB

Read Matthew 5:48

But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.Matthew 5:48

Most of us have three major realms of relationship in which we live: an immediate realm of family, an intermediate realm of friends, and a broad general realm that certainly would include some enemies.

Thinking in terms of three concentric circles, let’s go first to the centre and think about the family. For this I have three words of advice: Release your rights. There are precious few family conflicts that cannot be settled by simply releasing rights.