First Things First

(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/J10zh)

“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness—and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Matthew 6:33

He deserves our best; the question is “Do we love Him enough to give it?”

No one likes an overbearing, demanding person who acts like some spoiled child throwing a terrible-two’s temper tantrum.  Yet, sadly, it would seem nowadays such conduct is the norm in this “it’s all about me” generation.



“I want it and I want it now.”

“Can’t you see I’m somebody?!?”

“Don’t you know I have places to go, people to see, things to do?”

“I’m sorry; I can’t work you in right now.  Could I schedule you on Tuesday a year from now??”



Sound familiar?

Without a doubt.

And, sadly, such conduct breeds reciprocal conduct.  Oh, we may smile and bear it at first.  And, even after “giving it the ‘ole college try”. . .trying to keep our cool when we’re about to come unglued. . .we grow increasingly frustrated and finally vent on whoever might be around at the time (e.g., the clerk in the department store, the cashier in the grocery story, etc.).  And, somehow we feel better after having dumped on them, even though the pained or frightened look in their eyes should have let us know our “garbage” did nothing to lighten their load.



But, we need never worry if Jesus will act that way when we choose to reject His words in today’s Manna.

Sure, He said “Seek FIRST God’s Kingdom and His Righteousness”—or, another way to put it is “Love My Father and Me enough to put us first in your priorities, passions and pursuits, not at the end of the line.  No one likes leftovers or crumbs; neither do I.  I know you’re busy and have a lot on your plate right now.  But, seeking Me first won’t add to your load; it’ll lighten it (Mt. 11:28-30).



“So, here’s hoping you’ll let Me help you rearrange things in your schedule so you can seek the Best things in life, not the most urgent.  It may take some doing.  And, it likely will take some time.  But, together we can get you focused on what’s important. . .which is My Father’s business and spending time with Me.  That way you’ll be less frazzled and frustrated and make sure you’re not just pursuing those things that won’t matter in the long run.”



Did the Lord speak to you just now, dear Pilgrim?

Did you realize anew that Jesus is more than an “additive” to our lives and should be more than an afterthought in our plans?

Hope so.

But, don’t worry.  He won’t come beat you over the head with two stone tablets; He’ll just continue standing outside the door, quietly knocking as the Perfect Gentleman, wishing the two of you could spend more time together (Rev. 3:20).

By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated July 18, 2010