Our final theme will be “Seeking God’s Kingdom.” Whether we have been Christ followers our whole life or just for a short time, our homing device is set inside us, inspiring us to seek God’s kingdom. Where do we look? What are we looking to find? We’ll look for clues over the rest of the readings in this series.
In this reading, we are reminded we often focus on the wrong thing. We let the worries of the day crowd our head. It’s nearly impossible to be truly seeking God’s kingdom or even his will for our lives when our minds are clouded with things that shouldn’t matter. When is the last time you truly had a worry-free day?
Jesus tells us plainly here in the sermon on the mount, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” That’s a verse we should all commit to memory (Matthew 6:33) It’s not good enough to seek after God when all our work is done or when we happen to get around to it. Jesus says, “above all else.”
Getting our focus right should be our top priority. This isn’t meant to discourage you but rather encourage you. Jesus assures us that when we make seeking God and right living our priority, God will give us everything we need. That takes a lot of faith to accept, doesn’t it?
That’s probably why Jesus told us about the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. He gave us real-world examples to illustrate his point. They aren’t worrying, and they are cared for. Just let that sink in a little bit.
There is an antidote for worry. Do you know what it is? Prayer. Best cure in the world! If you feel those doubts or fears creeping in, distracting or even derailing you from seeking God and building your relationship with him—pray!
Another fun fact to keep in mind is one of the most popular phrases in the Bible. “Don’t be afraid.” Over 300 times, one source says 365 times, we are reminded to not be fearful. That’s all worry is. We’re fearful about something out of our control.
While Jesus’ focus here is on our “needs,” you’ll recall Paul’s words in Philippians 4:6, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.” Paul would suggest we shouldn’t bother worrying about anything. Anything!
Sometimes it’s easier said than done, isn’t it? Just a few verses before our reading today, Jesus had said, “Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” If our treasure is in heaven, our desires should then be to seek God’s kingdom. God’s Kingdom is wherever God reigns. As responsible citizens of his Kingdom, we seek to follow his will above all earthly authorities. That certainly sounds like a place I want to seek. How about you?
Let’s pray. Father, forgive me for those times when I have been stuck in worry. I know in my heart and soul that it is so much better to pray and trust you to work it all out. Your ways are so much greater than mine could ever be. Help me be less concerned with the little things and have my focus on you in all things. Thank you for your patience with me and for loving me so much. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
