Strive For the Kingdom
A reading for Wednesday, May 13, 2015: Luke 12:22-31.
Jesus said, "Strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."
Sometimes we present ourselves with a false choice. Either we can be faithful, or we can be successful in acquiring all the things we need to make us happy. So we worry about the choice. We worry about whether or not we are faithful enough, and we worry about what we will eat, what we will wear, where we will live.
The reason it's a false choice is because these are not really opposites, but are the same choice. In both cases, we have convinced ourselves that it's all up to us. If we are faithful, it is because WE are faithful. If we have plenty to eat, it is because WE acquired it for ourselves.
Jesus is trying to tell his disciples, and also telling us as well, that God is the provider of all blessings. Whatever we have is a gift of God, through the Spirit. God knows we need faithfulness, just as much as God knows we need the other things. We are dependent on God for all of it, so we can focus our attention on the kingdom (as God has asked) knowing full well that God will provide for everything we need.
There is only one choice... God has chosen to love us. We are grateful!
Jesus said, "Strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."
Sometimes we present ourselves with a false choice. Either we can be faithful, or we can be successful in acquiring all the things we need to make us happy. So we worry about the choice. We worry about whether or not we are faithful enough, and we worry about what we will eat, what we will wear, where we will live.
The reason it's a false choice is because these are not really opposites, but are the same choice. In both cases, we have convinced ourselves that it's all up to us. If we are faithful, it is because WE are faithful. If we have plenty to eat, it is because WE acquired it for ourselves.
Jesus is trying to tell his disciples, and also telling us as well, that God is the provider of all blessings. Whatever we have is a gift of God, through the Spirit. God knows we need faithfulness, just as much as God knows we need the other things. We are dependent on God for all of it, so we can focus our attention on the kingdom (as God has asked) knowing full well that God will provide for everything we need.
There is only one choice... God has chosen to love us. We are grateful!
Comments
Post a Comment