Breaking The Chains

“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). These words of Jesus carry profound meaning, not just for spiritual life, but for practical recovery from addiction and destructive habits. Delayed gratification—the ability to resist immediate pleasure for a greater, long-term reward—is a principle at the heart of both spiritual growth and recovery. Understanding this principle through Jesus’ example in Matthew 4:1-11 can transform how we approach temptation, cravings, and daily struggles. Jesus in the Wilderness: The Ultimate Model Matthew 4:1-11 recounts the story of Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. After fasting for forty days and forty nights, He was hungry, physically weakened, and vulnerable. At that moment, Satan offered Him immediate relief: turn stones into bread. On the surface, it seemed like a reasonable solution to a real need, but Jesus responded by quoting Scripture: “Man shall ...

 Matthew 6:33 (NIV) “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This verse from the Sermon on the Mount is one of the most powerful principles Jesus ever taught. In just a few words, He gives us the key to a worry-free life, spiritual growth, and true peace. But what does it really mean to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness”? Let’s break it down step by step. --- The Context: Worry and Priorities Before this verse, Jesus addresses common human concerns—food, drink, clothing. He knew people were anxious about their daily needs, just like we are today. Bills, jobs, security, the future—these worries dominate our thoughts. But Jesus says something radical: Stop running after those things like the world does. Instead, shift your focus to God. --- What Does “Seek First the Kingdom” Mean? The Kingdom of God is not a physical place you can find on a map. It is God’s rule and reign in your life. To seek the Kingdom means...