Putting First Things First

One of our most difficult problems is deciding the priorities of life and implementing them daily. Putting first things first is a serious commitment for us all. Jesus said, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). In this verse, we notice things to be sought and things to be added.

First is the command to see two things: The Kingdom of God and His righteousness. The Kingdom of God is usually thought of as a future event. The Bible does speak about Christ's return and His rule and reign here on earth. However, the Kingdom exists now as a present reality with Christ ruling and reigning over the hearts and lives of all who have received Him as Savior and Lord. We are to seek being part of God's Kingdom as well as enlisting others.

We are to seek God's righteousness. The original word used here for righteousness means the sum total of God's requirements. God is holy and righteous. "All our righteous acts," whatever we may possess and produce, Scripture records, "are like filthy rags." (Isaiah 64:6). If we are to become righteous, then we must seek to attain God's righteousness. (See Romans 3:23).

Following the command is a promise that "all these things shall be added unto you." In order to understand what these other things are, we must pay attention to the preceding paragraph, "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?" (Matthew 6:25). In addition to these necessities, treasures on earth (luxuries) are spoken of. Much time and effort is expended by all of us seeking these two things. In these economic hard times, or indeed, anytime, we cannot afford to disregard this passage from the Word of God. Jesus has promised us that if we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, the Father will add (in His time and at His discretion) all of these things (necessities and luxuries) to us.

Let's be frank and honest with ourselves and each other. Are we doing this - seeking and pursuing the Kingdom first? Is this the top priority for us as professing Christians? What proof would you offer? If there is little evidence or none - why? This is clearly a command that Jesus has given for all of us. How productive are we? How could we be more productive? How effective are we in advancing God's Kingdom (Christ's rule over our lives and others)? How could we be more effective? Our productivity and effectiveness can be enhanced if we are part of a ministry team. You can have more impact serving with others than going it alone.

If we could just grasp this truth and allow it to reorder our lives!! The Lord will provide for those who put first things first.

Having Faith & Sharing are Antidotes to Anxiety

We are living in challenging times as our nation enters an economic recession. Every day we are reminded of this through articles in the newspapers and stories on radio and television. The steady drumbeat of news about home foreclosures, increased unemployment and high food and energy costs adds to our anxiety and stress.

So how does faith matter in times such as these? When we are living in periods of prosperity, it is easy to become self-reliant and forget about God and our dependence on others. When tough times comes, we often realize that we need friends, family and God.

Jesus Christ encouraged his followers not to be anxious. He said, "Do not worry about your life, about what you will eat or drink or about your body and what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes?" (Matthew 6:25).

What is the opposite of anxiety or worry? The answer is to trust and to have faith.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians from a Roman jail, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). When we pray to God, we are exercising our faith by believing that God can do what it is we are seeking.

In addition to faith, there is another important thing to do in tough times: Remember to share with others. When we help someone else, we also benefit from acts of charity. In helping others, we feel good about the deed done and it gets our mind off ourselves and our troubles. Even if it is limited to donating a can of soup or vegetables, looking after a shut-in, volunteering an hour or two for some worthwhile cause, do not let your limited means be an excuse for doing nothing.

Perhaps the best biblical example of giving is the widow who donated her "two mites," which are small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. "Calling his disciples to Him, Jesus said, 'I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on.'" (Mark 12:43-44).

It truly is more blessed to give than receive and it does reduce anxiety--for others and yourself.