“One-A-Week Challenge” – Week 39
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,
and all these things will be added to you.”
–Matthew 6:33 nasb
One of the most well-known sayings of the Navy SEALS is “The only easy day was yesterday.” As we go though seemingly difficult times we all come to know that the road ahead of us will continue to produce challenges, obstacles, and trials. Each of these are designed to remind us that God is fully capable and sufficient for all of our needs.
Jesus seems to give a single summary statement about the Christian life here in Matthew 6. Far too many people are overly worried, even anxious, about day-to-day living. Jesus never suggested that it’s wrong for us to have thoughts or even concerns about our basic needs, He simply says that it is not necessary. Those outside the faith family can be gripped by frustration, anxiety, and uncertainties of life. For everyone who personally knows Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior there is assurance about who holds today and tomorrow.
On this verse of scripture Oswald Chambers wrote:
“Get rightly related to God first, maintain that as the great care of your life, and never put the concern of your care on the other things. Jesus taught that a disciple has to make his relationship to God the dominating concentration of his life, and to be carefully careless about everything else in comparison to that. Jesus is saying—‘Don’t make the ruling factor of your life what you shall eat and what you shall drink, but be concentrated absolutely on God.’”
The key to the Christian life is simple … but it is not easy. Take golf for instance. I enjoy watching the majors each year — the Masters, the US Open, The Open Championship (British Open), and the PGA Championship. All these tournaments are fun to watch and I am always amazed at the shots those professional golfers can make. Sitting in the comfort of my favorite chair I start to think, “I could make that shot” for, after all, what sport is more simple? I mean the ball is sitting still, I have complete control over the club in my hand and the target is easily identified. It’s really a simple game, but when I get out on the course my perspective suddenly changes. I realize that while the game is SIMPLE, it certainly isn’t EASY.
The same can be said of life in general and the Christian life specifically Jesus summed up our game plan in simple words … “Seek first the Kingdom of God…” (Mt. 6:33 paraphrased). It’s that simple, but it isn’t that easy. We are easily distracted from this mandate. We are swept away by so many things that cry out for our attention. It requires a daily awareness of the fact that our life is not our own, but rather belongs to God and we need His guidance.
The great love that God has for us is evident in all of life. He cares more for you than you can ever comprehend. Seek His face and His direction in every aspect of your life. Use this exercise of memorizing scripture to fill your heart and mind with the Truth of Jesus Christ. In this way you are seeking Him!