First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.

[Excerpted from Choose Generosity: Discovering Whole-Life Stewardship, Herald Publishing House, 2019, pp. 97–98]

We have been cautioned about collecting or trusting in possessions to meet our deeper needs: “Many are fearful and believe their security is to be found in the accumulation of possessions. The answers you seek are not inherent in the things of this world but in a faith that places its trust in the promises given to all who would follow Jesus Christ” (Doctrine and Covenants 162:7b).

Placing our trust in wealth over God is a problem. As Jesus taught, “No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24)

Cultural pressures may push us to live in a particular way. These pressures also may press us to trust in the material elements of the world more than the spiritual. This does not make the material elements of the world inherently bad or evil. It does mean we need to discern how God is calling us to use the material elements of the world that we are blessed to steward or manage. Sometimes we need to make decisions that are counter to what our particular culture promotes if we are faithful to living as disciples following Jesus Christ.

“Each disciple’s act of generosity is prophetic because it confronts a false vision of greed and material accumulation as the assumed way of the world. Generosity is spirituality in action, powered by grace, gratitude, and hope (Steve Veazey, 2016 World Conference closing worship message, “Live, Love, Share…”).

Prayer Phrase

“And all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

Abundant Blessings

At the close of the day, reflect on where you noticed God’s blessings, especially in unexpected places. Offer a prayer of thanks and try to release any worry, trusting that God’s abundance will meet you again tomorrow.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.