Put First Things First
In Stephen Covey’s bestselling book “First Things First”, he begins by asking a question. “If you were to pause and think seriously about the three or four things that matter most…what would they be?” In Matthew 6:24–34, Jesus tells us what should be at the top of that list of things that matter most…seeking the Kingdom of God! I pray that you would prioritize the Kingdom over all else that you are seeking to obtain in this life. Amen
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. (Matthew 6:24)
Whether it is money, fame, power or some other thing that people pursue with single minded focus, you can only make one thing the primary objective to attain. God will not accept second place behind anything or anyone. You have to make a choice to love Him above all else. Otherwise you will pursue other things and forsake a relationship with Him.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? (Matthew 6:25-27)
Worry or anxiety about how we will obtain the things we need is unproductive to living the life that God wants for us. Jesus points out that we can see evidence that God will take care of the very least of His creation. Therefore, we have no reason to believe that He will not take care of us and provide those things we need. Jesus asked whether we realize that we are more valuable than any other creature God has created and that therefore the Father would most certainly take care of us also.
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:28-34)
Not only does God provide for the essential physiological needs that we have (food, clothing, etc.), but He does so in ways that are aesthetically pleasing to our mind and our senses. With that in mind, Jesus explained that we don’t need to be anxious or worry about things God knows we need, because God will provide. Instead of spending our physical and mental energy worrying, it is far better for us to set our minds on seeking God‘s kingdom. For in God‘s kingdom, not just the things we need in this world, but the things we will need to live in eternity are provided.
There is so much worry and anxiety in the world right now. People are concerned about their livelihood, about their ability to provide, about their ability to sustain themselves and their families. Jesus explained that worry does not benefit us. And that we serve a God who created all things. So, He has all the resources to provide for us as well. He has the power, He has the resources, and He has the desire to give us the things that we need. And not just the things that we need in this life, but everything that we need into eternity. Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added unto you. Seeking God is first and foremost the most important thing that we can do in our lives. Jesus’ message about worry and anxiety over the problems of the world still rings true for us today. If you are a follower of Christ and a part of God’s kingdom, you have to learn to walk by faith…. and put first things first.
Blessings,
Rev. Glenn
