“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (v. 33).
– Matthew 6:25–34
Immediately before this passage Jesus commands us not to store up earthly treasures. Jesus anticipates that other will object to this people. It is easy to tell ourselves to not pursue earthly treasures, but we all need money and other goods to meet our basic needs. If we do not go after earthly treasures, how will we eat? How will we sleep comfortably? How in the world would we not worry or be anxious?
Jesus answer to this unstated problem is simple: “Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on” (v. 25a). Jesus is not encouraging a lazy approach to life where we expect everything to fall in place. Nor does this teaching release us from the duty to feed our families. The bible is clear that we should work hard for our families.
But the nature of life invite us to worry. Jesus turns to the sky to resolve this issue. Birds do not worry, they sing, and still they find food each day without sowing or reaping. Humankind (who were made in God’s image) are worth far more than birds in the sky. If they were fed, so will we be. Their life and worth is small compared to us. Since the Father provides for these, He also will provide for us, His beloved people (Matt. 6:28–30).
The fix? Make God’s kingdom the center of your life. Frees yourself from worry by seeking Him first. He will meet all our needs (v. 33). Those who call themselves Christians should serve Him wholeheartedly. This includes sharing resources as God has called us to be generous and care for one another. We need not worry about tomorrow, for God (and His people) always takes care of His own.