Jesus spoke of this three times in the Sermon on the Mount. He said don’t worry about your life . . . about food . . . about shelter. Don’t worry. Instead of worrying, Jesus says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all [the things you need] will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:33).
God promises: If you take care of My business, I’ll take care of yours!
How should this change your life? In that same sermon, Jesus gives you three ways:
First, seeking God’s Kingdom means developing godly priorities. Simply put, God wants what you value most to match whatever He values most. You want what God wants for you—nothing more, nothing less.
Just minutes earlier (Matt. 6:9–13) in the sermon, Jesus had taught a model prayer, which began:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.”
And then, after I pray that, I can go on: “Give us today our daily bread” (Matt. 6:11). When I take care of His business, He takes care of mine!
Second, it means developing godly passions. This involves setting my affections on things above . . . loving God with my whole heart, soul, and mind (Matt. 22:37). It means I care about what God cares about.
The Christian life is not just an intellectual exercise. It’s a life of vitality, heart, and feelings based on the passion of God.
Third, it means developing godly pursuits. To seek first God’s Kingdom means that we pursue its interests. We’re busy with His work. A great question to ask yourself is, “What on earth can I do for heaven’s sake?” And when you realize the answer, don’t just think it, do it! Developing godly priorities, passions, and pursuits will focus you on your loving heavenly Father—you won’t have time to worry, and you won’t feel the need to worry.
By Pastor Paul Sheppard
God promises: If you take care of My business, I’ll take care of yours!
How should this change your life? In that same sermon, Jesus gives you three ways:
First, seeking God’s Kingdom means developing godly priorities. Simply put, God wants what you value most to match whatever He values most. You want what God wants for you—nothing more, nothing less.
Just minutes earlier (Matt. 6:9–13) in the sermon, Jesus had taught a model prayer, which began:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.”
And then, after I pray that, I can go on: “Give us today our daily bread” (Matt. 6:11). When I take care of His business, He takes care of mine!
Second, it means developing godly passions. This involves setting my affections on things above . . . loving God with my whole heart, soul, and mind (Matt. 22:37). It means I care about what God cares about.
The Christian life is not just an intellectual exercise. It’s a life of vitality, heart, and feelings based on the passion of God.
Third, it means developing godly pursuits. To seek first God’s Kingdom means that we pursue its interests. We’re busy with His work. A great question to ask yourself is, “What on earth can I do for heaven’s sake?” And when you realize the answer, don’t just think it, do it! Developing godly priorities, passions, and pursuits will focus you on your loving heavenly Father—you won’t have time to worry, and you won’t feel the need to worry.
By Pastor Paul Sheppard
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