But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NIV
Jesus is sitting on a mountainside instructing the many followers who have come to hear from this obviously wise teacher whose connection with God and the path to fulfilled living seemed sure. Few if any were yet able to consider the fact that He actually was God in the flesh, but they knew His way of living was the only way they had seen that had any promise of a fulfilling life.
They were caught up in the worries of life, hunger for and pursuit of money to meet vital needs and legitimate desires. Like us, they wanted to be “healthy, wealthy, and wise” and anything else they could be. But they experienced anxiety over what they would eat, what they would wear, where they would live, who liked them and who didn’t, their health, their families, and what was going to happen next. Jesus assured them He understood those concerns but told them they were going about life in a misguided way. Worrying about, focusing on, and pursuing those things would never give them the satisfaction and fulfillment they sought. In fact, security and fulfillment were not even their responsibility.
Instead, He told them to pursue God’s Kingdom and His righteousness and everything else they needed He would handle. They wouldn’t have to earn it. It would be the natural result of prioritizing God and HIS priority – His Kingdom. Jesus wants us to live an anxiety-free life because we trust Him.
This doesn’t mean that we will always have our needs supplied in the way we think they will be. Jesus promised we would have all that each moment requires for us to stay in step with Him and His good and perfect plan for our lives. This is the core message – putting God first, prioritizing His will more than anything else, pursuing spiritual growth, following God's commands, and living according to His principles means that He will provide for our needs. This doesn't necessarily mean material wealth, but it does mean we have everything necessary to fulfill God's purpose for our lives. He is a loving, wise, trustworthy Father, and we can count on Him.
- What’s most important in “all these things” I may desire for life? Psychologists say that the needs to be seen, heard, connected, secure, and loved are primary. Humans can face anything if those needs are met. Relationship with God through Jesus is that cord that connects us to the Power Source for all our needs. Make certain you are pursuing the Source, not the Outcomes today. That is the way to “all things.”