Keeping the First Things First

N. T. #72 "Keeping the First Things First"

May 18, 2023

Matthew 6-Part 18

LET IT GLOW

Did you worry about something yesterday? Jesus is teaching His disciples and us to not worry about what we will eat, drink, or wear. Those things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers. After all, no one can add inches on their body nor days onto the life span. Our Heavenly Father already knows all our needs. I say, this is quite a Sermon on the Mount, right?

Why does Jesus call His listeners "ye of little faith?" Matthew did not record any conversation of others during Jesus' speech or teachings. He saw into their hearts. There must have been a lack of faith He found there. 

What can we learn from these teachings of Jesus?

• Our life is a greater blessing than our livelihood. 
• If we can trust God through Jesus to take care of our souls for eternity, then we should be able to trust God and His provisions for us, leaving all our physical needs to Him. After all, the birds depend upon God for their food.
• We should be clothed with dignity and integrity, with strong faith, not little faith. The lilies are beautifully appearing in the field, receive water and sunshine to grown and be covered. 
• Our life is to exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, faith, goodness, self-control, love for God and others. Unbelievers are concerned with wealth and possessions and power while living on earth. They are not concerned about their soul's state. Believers are to be thankful and content with what we have. 

 We have better things to think about than focusing on our physical needs. Leave them to God.

1 Peter 5:7 tells us, Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

We are to be about our Father's business, as Jesus was, doing Kingdom work. Is that our purpose in life? Are we sharing Jesus' love and salvation with others? Let's let Jesus be our Master, not money or possessions.

LET IT GROW

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. (verse 33)

It is our duty to seek sincerely, to desire, pursue, and aim at these things. Heaven is our end and holiness as our way. We are to seek the things of Christ more than our own things. Let waking thoughts be of God. Let Him that is the First, (Alpha) have the first of every day.

Whatsoever is not faith is sin. (Romans 14:23)

When our priority is spiritual, God will take care of the material; for where God guides, He provides. Each day has enough challenges and responsibilities of its own. Live for today.

Be present in the present. 

LET IT GO 

Keep us in Your will, Lord.