Top Priority
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. —Matthew 6:33
When Jesus told us not to worry about food and clothing, His emphasis was on the word “worry.” He didn’t say, “Don’t think about it.” Nor did He imply that we were not to plan ahead for our needs. He said, “Don’t worry.”
In fact, the Bible criticizes the lazy person who does not work for a living. The Bible says that if you don’t work, you shouldn’t eat (see 2 Thessalonians 3:10). In other words, we are to work and provide for ourselves. The Bible even encourages us to plan for the future and points to the example of ants, which are always planning ahead (see Proverbs 6:6–8). So the Bible does not advocate laziness or being irresponsible. At the same time, Jesus said we are not to worry.
To put it another way, Jesus was saying, “Don’t be obsessed with these things. That’s how unbelievers are.” In Matthew 6 we read,
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (verses 31–33)
Isn’t that the emphasis of so many people today—what to eat and what to wear? Their entire lives revolve around materialistic goals. Jesus was saying this won’t do it. This won’t satisfy the deepest need of your life.
So let’s not make these things our primary purpose in life. Rather, let’s seek God first and foremost in our lives, and everything that we need will be provided for us.
God will take care of you. He cares about you. He will supply all of your needs.
Copyright © 2016 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
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