Luke 12:31 But rather seek you the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added to you. The Lord gives us continually our daily bread, multiplying for this the grain in the field; yet are we contented with it? The reason of our discontentedness is, because we are inclined to make our daily pursuits for a livelihood the main point, and the Kingdom of God a secondary one. Perhaps we go so far even as to separate one from the other, although religion, like the leaven, should penetrate all our works and bring God's blessing upon all we do. This blessing will be given to us if we endeavour to sanctify our solicitude for our daily bread, by performing our employments — I. IN OBEDIENCE. TO GOD. 1. It is God's will that I work. By this truth we should be induced — (1) To consider and esteem labour as a sacred duty. (2) To avoid idleness, which is not only sinful in itself, but also the source of sin and poverty. 2. I work for God's honour. This truth renders labour — (1) Consoling, though hard. (2) Meritorious. II. IN THE SPIRIT OF PENITENCE. I must work, because I am a sinner. 1. This reflection will reconcile you to your work. As the heart is wounded by undeserved punishment, so a generous mind finds satisfaction in a consciousness of justice being done. 2. It ennobles man: imparting to him — (1) Deep humility. (2) True wisdom. III. IN ORDER TO FULFIL, A DUTY TOWARDS OTHERS. Only he that has lost all sense of duty can refuse to work. For — 1. Labour is a duty of justice. God's wrath is challenged by — (1) Idlers. (2) Squanderers. 2. Labour is a duty of charity. (1) You are bound to provide for your family. (2) And for the poor. (Bishop Galura.) Parallel Verses KJV: But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.WEB: But seek God's Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you. |
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