Seek First His Kingdom

Layoffs and budget cuts are par for the course in America today. Nearly every day we hear of someone else who is losing their benefits, losing their pension, or losing their job. Just a couple days ago Katherine and I were watching Dateline, and they had a story on families facing poverty in the suburbs. Families who once were self-sufficient and could live a comfortable life were now tapped out financially because of layoffs and the declining economy. As bills began piling up and reality began to set in, these families realized that they were living below the poverty line for the first time in their lives. As the story continued, they detailed how they went to various food banks and counseling services to help them get by with what little they had. Their lives had changed, at least for now, and they were relearning how to live.

Katherine and I started getting depressed just watching these stories. We didn’t like seeing the truth of what is happening to so many families across America. Then we began to think about ourselves. We started to realize how blessed we are to have work and a steady income. Even more than that, we are blessed to have a church family who will stand by us and take care of us if a crisis occurs. That, more than anything else, gives me great comfort.

³¹ “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ ³² “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. ³³ “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ³⁴ “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

-Matthew 6:31-34

We only have comfort because we have sought out God’s kingdom. Without the church, we would be in constant distress and fear of what the world would do to us as we go through it. As it is now, however, we know that if a great tragedy befalls us, we have a family who is ready and willing to lift us up and take care of us.

This comfort isn’t just for me and Katherine, though. This comfort is for anyone who is a Christian and who dedicates themselves to the service of the Lord. Find comfort in the love of your brethren, and know that when you need us, we are here for you. When you’ve got a problem, don’t forget to let your brethren know so we can pray for you and offer our help in whatever way we can.