First Things First

“But seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Matthew 6:33

 

As human beings our bodies are hard-wired to be thinking about one thing, survival.  From the first caveman, human beings have an internal switch that tells you to make sure at all times that you are taken care of, and that your survival is assured.  If you are not careful this instinctual reaction for survival can become a selfish quest for comfort, fame, material possessions, or another self-centered goal. 

 

In Matthew 6 Jesus addresses this very issue.  He was asked what about making sure I have enough food or clothes?  Don’t those matter; shouldn’t I worry about that, you need those for basic survival right Jesus?  Jesus response is to keep things in perspective.  Jesus says that our primary focus should be on God’s Kingdom, and what God is calling for us to do and be part of in this world.  By keeping that first thing first, it allows all the other pieces to fall into place.  Once you place God in the proper place in your life, it helps money, family, work, and a number of other things where they belong.  Jesus command is counterintuitive, because, you are hard-wired to think about me, myself, and I before anyone or anything else.  This is not the first time God suggested something counterintuitive that can change our lives (if you want to gain your life, you must lose it).  Jesus reminds us here that God had created us for something more meaningful, and as our Heavenly Father understands that if God is first, other things will fall into place.

 

 

Pastor Bill

 

 

Discussion Questions

  1. What in your life tends to become the #1 priority?
  2. What do you believe Jesus instructions mean practically in your life?