First Things First - Recap

Last Wednesday at MERGE, we had a great study on "First Things First." Everyone was challenged with putting God first in all things. Looking at Matthew 6:24-34, we were challenged with how easy it is to take our eyes off Jesus onto the worries of this world. This scripture is interesting because the subtitles of the Bible often keep us from looking at the preceding and succeeding verses. This passage starts out with not being able to serve two masters, Matthew 6:24:

 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."

 It is usually broken then by scripture talking about "worry and anxiety." Then goes into a favorite for many, Matthew 6:33, 

^"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

When I read all these passages together, it seemed to tell a story about choosing mammon or money as a master. It delivers worry and anxiety, whereas there is so much more promise and freedom and rest in choosing God and His righteousness. 

The amazing thing about being in community, like MERGE, is you get to hear how God is speaking to the you through others. Richard Herschberger, a photographer, discussed taking pictures when you focus on one thing in a picture and blur the rest, you see it more clearly. This image really spoke to me as we keep God and His Kingdom in focus and blur the things of this world, we will see it more clearly through His lens. If we start to blur God and His Kingdom, then the worries of this world are more focused and become the main thing. 

How do we keep God in focus in our picture?  We seek first His Kingdom, making time to pray, scripture, be in community, and waiting on Him. Share your stories this month as you seek His Kingdom.