Just a Thought: The person who has the right priorities also has less needs. In Jesus sermon on the mount, a sermon He primarily preached to His disciples. He taught them about God’s kingdom living. He demonstrated to them through illustrations such as the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, how God has designed His kingdom in such a way to take care of us. We have a Father who will provide our daily needs as we live for and serve Him and live by kingdom priorities. Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt 6:33) Jesus is not saying for us to be so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good. But what He is saying is, having right priorities meets more needs. You see it is only when we get this backwards that we begin to stress, scramble and worry. When our pursuit is not the Lord and His kingdom first, we tend to focus our attention and self-efforts on the wrong things first. The pursuit of material goods, and being occupied with things such as food, clothing and shelter are the very things the Lord Himself said He would take care of. Worrying can never add an amount of time, not even a single hour, to our life. And Jesus says, rather than being like the pagans who are concerned about physical needs, the Lord’s disciples should be concerned about the things of God, His kingdom and His righteousness. Then all these needs will be supplied in God’s timing. This is the life of daily faith. Jesus also says “do not worry” three times (vv. 25, 31, 34; cf. vv. 27-28) – or be concerned about tomorrow for there are sufficient matters to attend to each day. Worrying shows that one has “little faith” in what God can do (v. 30; “…you of little faith in 8:26; 14:31; 16:8). As a disciple (follower) we are to care each day for the things God has trusted to us. Our first priority is to trust that God, our heavenly Father (6:26,32), will care for our daily needs. The person who has the right priorities also has less needs. This is true when my priority is to live with my focus on the things of God and the Lord’s leadership in my life first and know He will meet my daily needs as they arise in His way and in His time. The birds of the air and the lilies of the field do this and thrive. And Jesus assures us, we are of much greater importance to the Lord than they are. Do you have the right priorities today? Are you in pursuit of the Lord and His kingdom first? If you are, you’re in good hands and He will meet your needs. Lord, help my focus be upon You and Your agenda today. I trust in You to lead my path and meet my daily needs. In Jesus name, amen.
