Tidying the bedroom, making the bed, dusting, sweeping the floor, and emptying the trash were the usual chores mom would give me, with the assurance that if I did these things first, I could go outside and play. I would begin my tasks with great fervor and focus, but then my mind would wander to getting outside and playing with my friends by the creek under the willow tree. I would leave the house, neglecting to complete my chores. It wouldn’t be long before I heard Mom calling me in that “come here now” voice, and I knew the skipped-over chores had been discovered, and I had to go back and finish what she asked me to do. I eventually learned that if I took the time to complete my tasks the first time, I’d have more time to make those dirt and creek-water mud pies under the willow tree.
When I think about the “if you do these things first, then you’ll be able to do those things” scenario, I am reminded of what Jesus said in Matthew 6 as He sat on the mountainside teaching His disciples and the people gathered around Him.
He talks about having our treasures in Heaven rather than on Earth. His Kingdom doesn’t have moths that like to eat them or rust that destroys them, and there are no thieves there who can steal them.
He says our eye is a lamp that provides light to our body, but if our eye is unhealthy, our whole body is full of darkness. And how wrong we are and how dark we truly are if what we think is light is darkness.
He says we can’t serve two masters at the same time. We will love one and hate the other, or vice versa. We can’t love God and love money at the same time.
He tells us not to worry about everyday life, such as what we will drink. What will we eat? And what will w3 wear? He loves the birds and cares for them by providing all they need, but He loves us more. The lilies of the field? Oh, how beautiful they are! But not even Solomon in all His best-dressed self was dressed as beautifully as those wildflowers. He dresses us better and cares for us much more than flowers here today and gone tomorrow.
Then, in verse 33, Jesus says: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
What is the Kingdom of God? Romans 14:17 tells us His Kingdom is: “righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
Righteousness is a purity of heart, holiness, virtue, and holy affections. Peace is a state of quiet or tranquility and freedom from fear, terror, anger, and anxiety. Joy is the expectation of good, a delight of mind, and it’s all wrapped up in the incomparable gift of His forever presence inside us.
I want to seek His Kingdom first because I want His righteousness, peace, and joy to be fully operational in me and His Spirit to dwell in me and work through me to accomplish all in His plan and purpose. I’m sure you do, too.
And it is wonderful to have those additional blessings of food, clothing, shelter, health, protection, favor, grace, and new mercies every morning. The list could go on and on in my “all these things” category. The occasional trip to get Louisiana chicken pasta and a dark chocolate hot fudge sundae with whipped cream, slivered almonds, and extra hot fudge on the side is marvelous. Those few quiet, peaceful hours I am sitting in a boat on a lake, reading, or hand sewing while my hubby fishes refresh my mind. Seasonal trips to Amish country for quilt gazing, shopping, and beautiful views of rolling hills and pristine homesteads restore my soul. Those walks through all the floral and fauna beauty of a garden bring joy to my heart.
What are your “all these things”?
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