Facing Mountain Sized Problems

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33)

Remember a couple of weeks ago when we thought 2020 couldn’t possibly get weirder, worse, or more terribler than the Covid-19 pandemic? Who ever is wondering if it can’t get worse, you need to stop. This is about my limit of more terribler I can take for this decade.

Things are so strange and terrible, I had to make up a new word!

When the problems in the world are mountain sized, it’s easy to get discouraged. We don’t even know where to start tackling the problems. Solutions seem so far removed.

What do you do when facing mountain sized problems?

Jesus gives us sound advice. No matter what season in life we may find ourselves, the truth Jesus shares in Matthew 6:33 is still the way to go: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

So, what does a “seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” person do? I am glad you asked. The principle is doing those things you know you ought to be doing even without having to ask God about it. You seek first the kingdom of God by:

• Praying. You don’t even have to wonder whether you need to pray. The answer to the question of whether you should pray is always, “yes”! Pray for our country, our city, and our church. Pray
• Worship. You don’t have to ask God whether you should set aside a day to worship God. Of course you worship. Make worship a priority
• Give, serve, make a difference. Again, you don’t have to wonder whether you ought to do these things. The answer is always, “yes”! Give, serve, and make a difference right where you are
• Read God’s word
• If you’re married, stay faithful to your spouse. If you’re single, practice celibacy
• If you’re a student, study hard
• If you work for a company, give them your best
• If you are a stay at home adult, be a blessing to your family and neighbors

There is so much a “seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” person is doing that such a person will stay busy all day long. Do those things you know you ought to be doing even without having to ask God whether you should be doing those things. These will keep us plenty busy.

While we’re doing these things, through the collective of us who make up the church, God changes communities, societies, and the world.