Our Top Priority
Matthew 6:11, 33; 7:7
It happens to all of us. We get up in the morning full of anticipation to tackle that big project at work or around the house. We’ve put it off for weeks until finally the day comes that we can devote totally to the task at hand.
But no sooner do we dig into our mission than the interruptions and annoyances begin. The telephone rings. We have to meet someone for lunch. The furnace stops working and we hurry to arrange for a repairman. A neighbor or coworker comes by to chat. Before we know it, the day is half gone and there’s no time to complete the project. Once again, we’re putting it off for another time.
Such a scene is all too common. We become so engrossed in our day-to-day needs and problems that we lose sight of the big picture. A similar thing can happen in our spiritual lives, as we become so caught up with the basic needs of living that we forget what’s most important: growing in our relationship with God. Jesus offered some good instruction on this very topic in Matthew 6:33.
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
Make no mistake: our financial responsibilities are very real. We do need to pay the mortgage, put food on the table, and set aside money for the kids’ college education. And sometimes, when times are tough, these can become heavy burdens. Tragically, in the urgency of taking care of these needs, our pursuit of God fades into the background.
But the Lord reminds us that there’s a priority even higher than daily necessities: His kingdom. As we seek His face, praying that His plans would be accomplished through us, we can rest in the assurance that He provides for our every need. God is worthy of our trust as we make Him our top priority.
What does it mean to “seek [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness”? How, specifically, do we pursue that goal?
What kinds of problems and responsibilities tend to weigh most heavily upon you? What steps can you take so ensure that you continue to seek God’s kingdom first when these issues threaten to become overwhelming?
Matthew 6:11, 33; 7:7
It happens to all of us. We get up in the morning full of anticipation to tackle that big project at work or around the house. We’ve put it off for weeks until finally the day comes that we can devote totally to the task at hand.
But no sooner do we dig into our mission than the interruptions and annoyances begin. The telephone rings. We have to meet someone for lunch. The furnace stops working and we hurry to arrange for a repairman. A neighbor or coworker comes by to chat. Before we know it, the day is half gone and there’s no time to complete the project. Once again, we’re putting it off for another time.
Such a scene is all too common. We become so engrossed in our day-to-day needs and problems that we lose sight of the big picture. A similar thing can happen in our spiritual lives, as we become so caught up with the basic needs of living that we forget what’s most important: growing in our relationship with God. Jesus offered some good instruction on this very topic in Matthew 6:33.
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
Make no mistake: our financial responsibilities are very real. We do need to pay the mortgage, put food on the table, and set aside money for the kids’ college education. And sometimes, when times are tough, these can become heavy burdens. Tragically, in the urgency of taking care of these needs, our pursuit of God fades into the background.
But the Lord reminds us that there’s a priority even higher than daily necessities: His kingdom. As we seek His face, praying that His plans would be accomplished through us, we can rest in the assurance that He provides for our every need. God is worthy of our trust as we make Him our top priority.
What does it mean to “seek [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness”? How, specifically, do we pursue that goal?
What kinds of problems and responsibilities tend to weigh most heavily upon you? What steps can you take so ensure that you continue to seek God’s kingdom first when these issues threaten to become overwhelming?
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