"Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:31-33
My favorite runs are usually the ones off the beaten path, hitting a trail or one of the many country roads around the Ozarks. Yesterday's route was perfect then as it took me down a country lane and past an open field that caught my attention. There, next to an ancient wooden fence post, was a group of dazzling white blooming irises. But unlike the daisies and black-eyed susans that could be seen sprinkling the pasture, whose seeds were most likely carried by the wind or birds, these were not there by chance. No. These flowers, which come from bulbs that have to be planted by hand, were undoubtedly sown when the house was still standing and it's inhabitants still alive. An even closer look revealed a portion of its foundation, ravaged by time but still standing. Oh Lord, I prayed, I want to leave behind more than flowers and a house. Show me how to leave a legacy of faith instead for my children and generations to come.
I love how Matthew 6:33 clearly reveals the answer when it says, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." While we all need certain 'things' like a place to live, a car or food and clothes, many of us make the pursuit of these 'things' our priority. It could be that we confuse our needs with our wants or we simply don't trust God enough to wait. Either way, one thing is certain, going after those 'things' is exactly what happens when you and I take our eyes off God and focus them on the things of the world. So do you see why it's so important to seek Him first? The bible tells us that our heavenly Father knows what we need! And when we focus on Him, we can rest assured that he will provide those things at the right time.
Chuck Palahniuk wrote, "We all die. The goal isn't that we live forever. The goal is that we create something that will." Today and every day, may our goal be to seek God first. May our example then leave a legacy of faithfulness, conviction and steadfastness that our children will see, remember, emulate and pass down. And like those flowers, may the seeds of our hope in Christ spread!
Heavenly Father, thank you for your promise to meet our needs if we would only seek you first. Help us to see beyond what the world says we need that we might not be led astray in our pursuit of them at the expense of our family. May we live our lives in such a way that we would have no regrets on the example of faith that we showed to our children. We ask this in your most precious name Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
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