There are many things that occupy our minds, perhaps more now than ever. As our world increases in complexity we have to deal with technology, and we have the ability to know what is happening in every corner of the world rather than just our own geographic area, which isn’t always helpful. In Jesus day they worried about things too, maybe just different things related to food security, health, and occupying forces. But they like us had to pay taxes, deal with family complexities, and clean their houses (without vacuum cleaners!). But Jesus encouraged his followers to narrow their focus as they sought to live in the “kingdom of God”. That phrase was not about a distant vision of rainbows and unicorns, but in Jesus words – a reality that is now among you; God here now time has come. So live in the reality of that in the way you order your life and thinking. This was a challenge, because life was still hard, the Romans still occupied their land, and they still had to deal with the uncertainties of life. And yet Jesus spoke these words.
Matthew 6:31-34 (NIV) Do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the ungodly run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase/translation of this passage in The Message helpfully picks up on Jesus intent.
Matthew 6:31-34 What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
I like the way he puts flesh on “the kingdom of God” by using the phrase “steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative”. That seems to capture better the essence of what Jesus was declaring. God is now among you, so put on his glasses and see the true reality around you. That will help you not to worry about things you can’t control and which don’t really matter that much. C.S. Lewis picks up on Jesus call when he said “Put first things first and second things are thrown in. Put second things first and you lose both first and second things.” When we loosen our grip on being preoccupied with getting, and start to respond more to God’s giving and focus on what he is doing right now, then other less important things will find their place. That takes trust and faith, but Jesus is always good for what he promises. He has never failed, and his words are a firm foundation on which we can build our lives as we keep first things first.
Grace and Peace - Garry