When Jesus preached the famous sermon on the mount, he told his disciples not to be anxious about their life, what they will eat or drink tomorrow or what they will wear. He assured them that God cares more for them than he does all the other creatures he takes care of. He asked an important rhetorical question: “Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25 ESV).
Jesus then did a compare and contrast with what the Gentiles seek verses what Christ-followers should seek. The Gentiles seek after food, drink, and clothes. Jesus said, “For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:32-33).
It seems counterintuitive to seek God instead of food, drink, and clothing but God is clear that seeking the kingdom and God’s righteousness first will ensure that the food, drink, and clothing will be taken care of. As our theme suggests, we must always put God first in everything!