First Things First

Jesus speaks these words after a long teaching about worry: birds, flowers, food, clothing. His conclusion is a matter of order. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and the other things will be added. He does not say the other things do not matter; the Father knows we need them. He says they cannot be first without becoming heavy. When everything is a priority, anxiety fills the space, because we carry tomorrow's troubles on today's shoulders. Jesus adds that each day has enough trouble of its own, which is a strangely gentle realism. Seeking the kingdom first means asking, before the day speeds up, what God is doing and how I can join it. Before you open your phone or your inbox today, give three minutes to prayer, and ask God to show you the one place where you can serve His purposes.