Today’s reading: Genesis 18-19; Matthew 6

Selected verses

The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar. Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven. And he overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. Genesis 19:23-25

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Reflections

What should we be worried about? To put it another way, what’s really important?

We would be clueless, if God had not revealed His holiness and His will to us through special revelation (the Bible). A secular, materialistic mindset tells us to live for ourselves (like the people of Sodom and Gomorrah). “Give no thought to God but only to indulging your own desires. What judgment?” they say.

Lot learned the hard way that God can reduce you to nothing in an instant. What should we be worried about? Not trying to hang on to this world, our position, our stuff.

Jesus told His disciples not to worry about their lives but to focus on the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Think about it

It’s time for a reality check. What’s important? It’s supremely important to seek His kingdom and His righteousness. Food and drink and clothing are necessary. God knows that, but seeking His kingdom is the priority. He will see that we do not lack what we need.

And we do not get what we need by phony, prayer chants. God is not moved by many words and empty phrases. The prayer Jesus taught was simple, brief, and thoughtful. Prayer should honor God by following those guidelines.

What is important?

• A single-minded focus on the eternal, glorious, righteous Kingdom of God.
  
• Simple prayer.

Ask God to help you keep this straight today.

© 2017 John A Carroll Used by permission.