Reflecting on Luke 12:22-34“But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” (Luke 12:31)
We are much-loved and valued children of God (see yesterday’s post).
As such, we should not need to worry about what we will eat, drink or wear.
But because of our disconnection with God, we do worry.
We are desperately seeking to protect, provide for and please ourselves.
We set our hearts on the things that God intended to take care of for us.
Jesus is calling us back to our God-designed place and purpose in the world.
God will provide what we need to succeed in this mission and purpose.
If we seek the kingdom, God’s ‘very good’ world for all, God will do His part.
If we aim to make life ‘very good’ for everyone, not just for ourselves!
If we care for others… the weak, the disadvantaged, the oppressed, the desperate.
Jesus set His heart on helping others experience God’s goodness.
He did not set His heart on being taken care of, or being happy, or being great.
Jesus urges us to rediscover what it means to be fully human.
Loving God and loving people leads to being taken care of, happy and great.
This is our purpose, why we are here, and how we can thrive – not just survive!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, our view of happiness is so twisted and backwards. Your way of life - living for goodness sake, for love and the well being of others - this is what we were made for, and how we can live life worry free. I'm still learning how to do this better, but thank You for inviting me into the life that is fully alive!
To be alive, really alive, I need to walk daily in His ‘Sonshine’ doing His will, becoming more like Jesus. Today’s passage reminded me of the cadet program in my church for the boys and their theme song which was:
1 Living for Jesus a life that is true,
striving to please Him in all that I do,
yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
this is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain:
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee;
for Thou, in Thine attonement,
didst give Thyself for me.
I own no other master;
my heart shall be Thy throne.
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for Thee alone.
2 Living for Jesus, who died in my place,
bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace-
such love constrains me to answer His call,
follow His leading, and give Him my all. [Refrain]
3 Living for Jesus wherever I am,
doing each duty in His holy name,
willing to suffer affliction or loss,
deeming each trial a part of my cross! [Refrain]
4 Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
my dearest treasure, the light of His smile,
seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
bringing the weary to find rest in Him! [Refrain]