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.
Rev. Kenneth Fellenbaum
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Liberty, Not License
"Liberty," along with freedom, is frequently used more at July 4th just as the words "hope, peace and joy" are similarly used at Christmas and the New Year.
When we hear the word “liberty” our thoughts are usually of political freedom. However, in New England in the 1600’s “liberty” principally meant religious freedom. Our early settlers took the Bible quite seriously. “Liberty” in the Scriptures involves freedom from sin. In numerous passages, statements like this are made: “…because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.” “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” “But now that you have been set free from sin and you have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” (Romans 6:7,18,22).
The pilgrims, and those who followed them, came here desiring freedom to worship God according to the dictates of their own hearts. They wanted freedom to follow God’s will as they understood it. In order to gain this liberty, they went through a lot. First, they had to leave their homeland of England. Second, they endured great hardship in crossing the ocean in small vessels and thirdly, they faced the arduous task of carving out a settlement(s) in the North American wilderness. They did all this because they earnestly desired religious liberty. Our political liberty today is the result of their sacrifices. The Bible states “Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). Ironically, groups today are attempting to use our political freedom to restrict religious liberty of others.
Religious and political freedom was not perfect in the colonies or early America. For that matter it is not perfect today either. However, we must note that liberty does not necessarily ever mean total freedom to do any and everything. Even today there is a limit to liberty. This is a Biblical concept. The Word of God teaches that we are not to misuse our liberty at the expense of someone else. “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13). “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16). “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9).
Liberty does not mean license. Appreciate it and use it correctly. The abuse of liberty can be harmful to yourself and others. Liberty should not be taken lightly - it costs a great deal. We should dedicate ourselves to protect it and provide it for others.
When we hear the word “liberty” our thoughts are usually of political freedom. However, in New England in the 1600’s “liberty” principally meant religious freedom. Our early settlers took the Bible quite seriously. “Liberty” in the Scriptures involves freedom from sin. In numerous passages, statements like this are made: “…because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.” “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” “But now that you have been set free from sin and you have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” (Romans 6:7,18,22).
The pilgrims, and those who followed them, came here desiring freedom to worship God according to the dictates of their own hearts. They wanted freedom to follow God’s will as they understood it. In order to gain this liberty, they went through a lot. First, they had to leave their homeland of England. Second, they endured great hardship in crossing the ocean in small vessels and thirdly, they faced the arduous task of carving out a settlement(s) in the North American wilderness. They did all this because they earnestly desired religious liberty. Our political liberty today is the result of their sacrifices. The Bible states “Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). Ironically, groups today are attempting to use our political freedom to restrict religious liberty of others.
Religious and political freedom was not perfect in the colonies or early America. For that matter it is not perfect today either. However, we must note that liberty does not necessarily ever mean total freedom to do any and everything. Even today there is a limit to liberty. This is a Biblical concept. The Word of God teaches that we are not to misuse our liberty at the expense of someone else. “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13). “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16). “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9).
Liberty does not mean license. Appreciate it and use it correctly. The abuse of liberty can be harmful to yourself and others. Liberty should not be taken lightly - it costs a great deal. We should dedicate ourselves to protect it and provide it for others.
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