Wednesday, November 11, 2000
First Things First
(Matthew 6:33, 34)
The Lord has promised to supply our needs so that we can attend to more important things—the kingdom of God and His righteousness! Remember, God supplies needs in a variety of ways—usually by giving us the opportunity to work (Eph. 4:28). Our employment, whatever it may be, is a vehicle through which necessities are met. It should not, however, interfere with seeking the things of God first.
Secular employment and service for the Lord need not be at odds. When one’s perspective is right, the proper balance may easily be achieved. The operative words in the last sentence are perspective and balance. Perspective refers to outlook. If my outlook is heavenly, I will “seek those things which are above” (Col. 3:1). Should earthly concerns begin to encroach upon eternal priorities, a heavenly perspective can arrest the advance of secular pressures.
The right perspective also aids in achieving Biblical balance in my life. For example, though my priorities are eternal, my efforts are temporal. The Bible commands that I work to provide for my family. The Bible commands that I attend to the needs of my wife. As mundane as these things may seem, they carry with them the weight of eternity because they are Biblical expectations. You see, the heavenly perspective never neglects temporal responsibilities—they fit hand-in-glove.
With perspective right and balance achieved, God promises that “all these things”—the necessities of life—will be “added unto” me. If I do right, God will take care of the rest!
