Matthew 6:25-34 is among the many Bible passages that speak about priorities. Jesus’ words in verse 33 of this passage, “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness: and all these things shall be added unto you,” do not teach that following Christ will make one materially wealthy.
Rather, the teaching is that if we serve God to the best of our ability, things will ultimately be OK for us (cf. Rom. 8:28). Moreover, if we truly seek first the kingdom of God, we’ll recognize the superior value of the spiritual riches God offers in comparison to earthly riches.
Such a mindset is totally different from the mindset of the world. Consider the people deemed important by the world. Those who gain riches, fame, power, or prestige are often praised for such “success.” Gaining such things is not necessarily wrong, but what is really important is far different from these. What’s far more important than what the world emphasizes are questions like, am I a godly example (Matt. 5:13-16)? Do I help those in need (Gal. 6:10)? Is the fruit of the Spirit shown in my character and conduct (Gal. 5:22-23)? Do I pray ceaselessly (1 Thess. 5:17)?
Jesus Himself often had little of the things most people consider important. He said in Luke 9:58, “foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”
Our culture encourages “self-promotion,” but Jesus said “whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matt. 23:12). While our society promotes getting “to the top,” Jesus “came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28). The contrast between what Jesus prioritizes and what our society considers significant makes one wonder if Jesus would really be honored if He walked on earth today, or if He would be treated as “second-class” for being meek and poor.
Just as we must prioritize rightly in our personal lives, we must have our priorities straight when it comes to the local church.
Many “church-goers” focus on the quality of church buildings, the entertainment during assembly times, and the numbers that big buildings and entertainment often produce.
What God prioritizes, though, are things like love (1 Thess. 3:12), unity (1 Cor. 1:10), spiritual growth of the body (Eph. 4:13-16), and soundness of doctrine (cf. Titus 2:1).
Many desire teaching from eloquent speakers who will teach what makes listeners feel good (cf. 2 Tim. 4:3-4). What matters to God, though, is that we be “speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15), using His Word as our guide (1 Pet. 4:11). These examples contrast what most think is important with what is most important according to God. May we shape our thinking and priorities according to what God says, and truly put first things first.
– Michael Hickox