Disclaimer: About This Blog

THIS BLOG IS: my personal journey of how I am rethinking some of my spiritual beliefs.
THIS BLOG IS NOT: intended to point fingers at people who I think are wrong.
I do not believe the final judgement will be based on how many correct answers we get on a theology exam. I believe many people throughout history have had genuine relationships with God, despite holding questionable beliefs and practices. I make no claim to having it all figured out or being your judge. If we end up disagreeing over these topics I pray we can find a way to demonstrate grace.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Kingdom or Stuff

Continuing my series on the secrets of the kingdom.

Matthew 6:28-34 (NIV)
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans 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.
This is another popular passage with reference to the kingdom. The contrast is someone who is preoccupied with their own needs.

"I need food"... or for my corner of the world "I want good food"

"I need clothing" ... or "I want nice clothing"

and then "I want that new gadget"

"I want a new car"

"I want a bigger house"

"I want a nice vacation"

"I want to be entertained"

These are the things "pagans", or I suppose those who don't really know God chase after.

This is contrasted with someone seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness. Someone seeking to follow and submit to the rule and reign of God. The promise is nice too. The promise is that God will provide the kingdom seekers with all that they need too.

So where are the desires of my heart? Kingdom focused or stuff focused?

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