God makes some pretty big promises. In Matthew, Jesus says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (6:33) Jesus is promising two things here. First, he is promising to care for our physical needs. This doesn't mean that we can expect to sit around and do nothing and all our needs will be met. We always read passages in light of the whole counsel of Scripture. God also speaks of our responsibilities elsewhere.
The point here is that our thought should no be consumed by mundane issues. God cares about the day to day issues of life, and he will help with those, but there are greater things that we are intended for. Jesus wants to introduce us to a rich, full life that moves beyond the mundane. Survival is not enough.
God has allowed us to participate in his work to bring beauty into the world. The Kingdom of God represents life as God intended it. Life has been marred by our rebellion. Pain, resentment, selfish competition, bitterness, and more has been the results. All of us have been twisted and wounded by pain.
When we seek God's Kingdom, we work to see God's rule restored. We work to communicate Jesus' liberating message. We choose to act out of healing love. We forgive instead of getting even. We serve rather than fight our enemies. We offer others the grace we have received.
We have needs that must be addressed, but Jesus asks us not to let them define our lives. We can become entangles by and obsessed with money, security, and reputation in such a way that we rob ourselves of the fulness of God's grace. Jesus calls us to something bigger. We are to seek, to work towards the realization of God's Kingdom. Beauty, security, significance, hope, grace, and love are found there.
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