Where’s your focus?

Luke 12: 29-31

And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.  But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. NIV

I love this passage.  I especially love the way The Message translates this part of it.

“What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting you can respond to God’s giving.  People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works.  Steep yourselves in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.  You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” MSG

Getting versus giving.

You always hear that it is better to give than to receive, but this verse isn’t saying that.  If you look closely, the Christian gains something in either case.  In the first, he or she gains a worldly possession, and in the second the gain is a blessing from God.  We have a choice of which to pursue.  If we are focused on doing God’s work, the blessings will come.

God is always at work, in the lives of each and every one of us.  If we are open to being used of God, if we are truly seeking His kingdom and His will, and living our lives as His hands and His feet here on earth, this verse says that we will not have to worry about the basic things … they will be provided.

God provides.  Unit Four of Henry Blackaby’s Experiencing God is based on John 14:21, “Whoever has my commands and obeys the, he is the one who loves me.  He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”

God is my provider.  I am His servant.  There are no worries.

That’s what I’ll think about today.