I poured the milk into the sink and left my husband and son playing in the livingroom. I quietly, like the good martyr I am, took a shower and got dressed. While I was in the shower, I was reminded of the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. I prayed that God would remind me of his promise to care for us, and that I, for once, would actually trust him. Once I had a chance to read these verses again, I saw a connection I never noticed before. In verse 25, Jesus tells us
Isn’t there more to life than food and more to the body than clothing? (NETBible)Like a good Christian, I thought, Of course, we should want to glorify God in all we do, but Jesus spells it out for us plainly. The "more to life" is in verse 33:
(32) your heavenly Father knows that you need them. (33) But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (NETBible)Newsflash to Stephanie: God knows what you need! And He WILL provide them for you! Not only that, though. Here's the biggie: If I am spending my time worrying about even the basics of my life, I am missing out on the pursuit of his kingdom and his righteousness - which is what I REALLY need.
For the unconverted pursue these things (NETBible, verse 32)My Provider, as I sit here making this temporal grocery list and clipping little coupons, You know exactly what I need and how you will provide it. Help me to not get caught up worrying about these insignificant things, or, again, feeling sorry for myself. Instead, show me what it means to really pursue your kingdom and your righteousness. Lead me by Your Spirit.
This is really good description of the everyday ways that we have to preach the gospel to ourselves. Imagine how many seemingly insignificant annoyances like this fuel the lie that pursuing something like comfort in food or meeting monthly budgets or being safe and secure in our organizational skills is better and more satisfying than the REALITY that the Kingdom of God is partially now and will one day be fully experienced! Thanks for your example of showing me my need for the gospel in these everyday moments!
ReplyDelete