Putting the Cart before the Horse

"Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:31-34)

It is really amazing how simple common sense rules get flouted all the time. Most children become very adventurous when told, 'Don't.....'. Their curiosity index rises and they do the very thing they have been warned against. Fortunately most of them become wiser. Smokers frequently ignore the Surgeon General's warnings about smoking and indulge themselves nevertheless. They disregard the health warnings stamped on packets of cigarettes and thereby accelerate the death process through a rather cynical appraisal of valuable health advice. What is the point? In both cases the individuals' priorities are misplaced. 

Priorities are an essential part of life which is why mathematicians have what they call the acronym 'BIDMAS' representing Brackets, Indices, Division, Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction. Calculations are carried out in that order. Where a calculation has only multiplication or division signs, the calculation is carried out from left to right. The same process is undertaken when a calculation has only addition and subtraction signs. This is called the Order of Operations. That is the way calculators are programmed and in life there are also priorities and an order of living. Jesus clearly stated 'But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you'. It isn't complicated; it is not ambiguous; it is not incomprehensible; it is simple and straightforward, yet time and time again, people get it wrong. What is really happening? There are no ifs or buts in the command - it's just a functional command that makes a lot of sense. Jesus was saying, if you want your needs met, put the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first. Jesus is not a liar, He is the Truth. Jesus will never misguide anyone, He is the Way. Jesus will never cause anyone any harm, He is the Life and He gives life more abundantly. 

Seeking all other things first instead of God's Kingdom and His righteousness is equivalent to putting the cart before the horse. It is not only unwise, unhealthy but results in pain and loss. Pursuing temporal or other things in preference to the will of God demonstrates a disregard for God Himself. When we do that we are like children disregarding the good advice of their parents. Not only does it show a blatant contempt for God but it highlights the casual and illogical attitude to life of the smoker who deliberately inhales poisonous fumes. 

There is something else that arises from this. God knows what we need and He is committed to supplying our need (Philippians 4:19). The Bible says, "The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing." - Psalm 34:10. It is interesting that the word 'seek' is used in Psalm 34:10 which is in line with the word 'seek' in Matthew 6:33. It is fair to say that the action that is prescribed here is continuous. We should never stop seeking the Lord God Almighty. A very important implication of Matthew 6:33 is that in pursuing what God has commanded us to do, our needs not our wants will be abundantly supplied. A further consideration of this passage puts into perspective what the Bible says in "Now godliness with contentment is great gain.For we brought nothing into this world, and it is  certain we can carry nothing out.And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content." - 1 Timothy 6:6-8. If we disagree with this, we disagree with the Word of God. God, who created us, who knows us better than we know ourselves, who is omniscient states that contentment will be our portion when our needs are supplied by Him - something He is 100% committed to. Our bills are not really the issue - our priorities are the issue. What comes first in your life? Your job, business, education, family, hobby, etc.?

Jesus said, "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."- Matthew 10:37-39. Pretty tough, right? Well, it is said 'That's the Way The Cookie Crumbles'. Let's pay attention to God's Word. He does not mince words - He says what He means and means what He says. The only way to pleasing God is by obeying Him which is why Jesus said, "If you love Me,  keep My commandments." - John 14:15.  

As we ponder over this, we ought to remember that we walk by faith and not by sight (1 Corinthians 5:7). If we are going to function as ambassadors of Christ, soldiers of the army of our Lord, a chosen generation and a peculiar people, then adherence to God's Word is key. A demonstration of this fundamental principle of faith in our lives is of essence in fulfilling our ministerial responsibilities on earth. Otherwise, we face prolonged periods of discontentment, chaos and confusion, listlessness and a waste of space and time.

As we heed the Word of God, He will enable us to be instruments of blessings in His hands, shining with His light and proclaiming with all amount of vigour that JESUS IS LORD. Have a blessed day.