Dependence on God

Grace

Read: Matthew 6:25-34

“But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.” – Matthew 6:33

As husband and wife or as parents, we are primarily concerned about how we live our lives. Our day-to-day concern revolves about the food that we put on the table for our family and children. For those who are going to their offices and jobs for work, we worry on what to wear. We worry on how we get to the office, by train, by bus, via car, etc. We are also concerned in our respective careers in life. Some might be waiting for a promotion or some of us might be praying hard for that job that they dream of. These are all important in our life. In fact, these are among the things that we consider every day.

But Jesus tells us in Matthew chapter 6 that we do not have to worry on all of these things. Jesus doesn’t say that these are not important. Of course, we must work, we have to cook and to buy stuff for our family. But what Jesus is saying is that there is a much more important than all these things and that is seeking God’s kingdom.

Sometimes, we become too focused on the material things and what the world offers that we often miss out the spiritual dimension of our life. We cannot serve two masters; we cannot serve God and mammon. That’s why God demands our total commitment and focus on Him. What should be our posture as we place God as our priority in life?

a. Put God first. God comes first and everything else comes second. We hold on to our prayer and sacramental life. We lead our spouse and our children to God.

b. Trust in God’s provision. Jesus doesn’t say that we do not buy material things, but rather we should not worry of these things to the point of seeking them so much that they distract us from our life in God. Let us remember that God provides.

c. Focus on what is eternal. At the end of the day, our eyes should be fixed on what is eternal rather than what is temporal. What the world offers is temporal. It is nothing compared to the life that is promised to us in the kingdom of God in heaven. 

One of the primary measures of our faith is trusting in God’s provision. If our hearts are focused on Him and we continue to seek His kingdom, then we will receive what Jesus has promised in Matthew 6:33 – “all these things will be given you besides”. All that you desire, that you long for – the things that the Lord has prepared for you, will be yours.