When asked what’s the only thing you need, a Christian naturally answers, “Jesus”, “God”, or “the Holy Spirit”. All or any of these answers seem absolutely right and holy, but Jesus disagrees.
He plainly stated, “…your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” (Matthew 6:32 NKJV)
“All these things.”
Apparently we need something more than heaven’s air. There are some down and dirty necessities that demand our attention.
The things the world is desperately chasing. The outer life and the inner life’s cravings. All of them bidding for your energy and attention. Each one of them insisting that they are necessary, important, and urgent.
The devil also deals in things. Showing Jesus the kingdoms of the world, he hissed, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:9 NKJV)
“All these things.”
Things.
Thankfully Jesus has an antidote to the anxiety that the pursuit of things stirs up.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)
“All these things.”
The problems arise when we allow things to have us, rather than us having things.
Disentangling from the frantic climb of pride and discovering deep contentment in God’s provision is not the norm. Even in our walk as believers, we can fall under the mesmerizing spell of money and all that it can offer.
It’s important to guard your heart and life, and in the unrelenting bombardment we face today in a never-off culture there’s rarely been a time when full focus on the freedom Jesus offers has been so needed.
Kingdom living is abundant living.
“All these things” are on the table and in the contract.
The devil has his attache case open and pen in hand, offering the world’s kingdoms in exchange for your time and attention. Time and attention are the currency he seeks, bowing at the world’s altar as we pant for its prizes.
Jesus too has a contract, a covenant that will never be broken, full of better, richer promises than any that has ever been offered before. It also includes “all these things” that the world is seeking. In God’s economy, they are added as a side benefit. The main offer is a Kingdom, abundant life here and into eternity.
Which table you sidle up to each day is your choice. Where you place your trust and sow your time is not forced.
Don’t fall for the siren call of satan and his meager rewards. Even the richest returns the world can offer are dung and dust compared to the slightest taste of God’s loving provision!
