Making the tough decisions in life the Godly way….the easy way….the simple way

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you– Matthew 6:33

Life can often seem very complicated. Career decisions, family dynamics, academic ambitions — every area and issue of life has its own challenges.

However, Jesus spotlights for us the one overriding, all-encompassing priority for living and, by doing so, simplifies our complicated decisions considerably. Seek first the kingdom, Jesus says, not personal advancement, financial security, or self-fulfillment.

Should you accept this promotion? Seek first the kingdom. Where should you send your children to school? Seek first the kingdom. Should you pursue this relationship? Seek first the kingdom.

While this directive does not provide the specific answer to every problem, it certainly does eliminate a great number of possible options. If it does not further the kingdom of God and reflect his righteousness, then it does not meet your basic criteria and need not be considered any further.

When we single-mindedly seek the welfare of the kingdom, then Jesus promises that God will seek our welfare, as well: all these things will be added to you. What things are these? Everything that is necessary and good for you, everything that will assist you in your goal of advancing the kingdom of Christ.

As you face difficult and convoluted questions today, filter your thoughts and decisions through this all-important objective: seek first the kingdom of God.

God owns it all, we’re just the renters.

“If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.”—Psalm 50:12

In a message on stewardship, a pastor recently encouraged everyone to go home, look around, and give thanks for what they had.

He wanted them to give thanks to God for lettingthem live in homes that belong to him and for allowing them to drive cars that really are his. He wanted them to thank God for their paychecks, their businesses, their jobs, their savings, and their investments. He wantedthems to acknowledge God as the owner of all things.

That’s the teaching of Psalm 50, that God is the absolute owner of everything we have. “The world is mine, and all that is in it,” says the Lord. God owns “the cattle on a thousand hills.” He is the owner of absolutely everything we have. We are no more than managers. As one author put it, “God never turned the deed or title over to us.”

Take a few moments today to look at everything you have. Take out your checkbooks and your bank statements, and ask yourself: Am I living as someone who knows he is not the owner? Do I use my resources to build God’s kingdom and to help those in need?

Remember the words of Jesus: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

After you do this, ask yourself if you are a faithful steward of God’s belongings and how you could do better. .