“But, seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these other things will be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:33)
When it comes to God, the world has a different view about the above verse. Its version is “Make your worldly plans and then work God into it if and when you can.” I am not trying to be critical but there was a good example of this at Downtown Days Festival yesterday. The Adair Ministerial Association was scheduled to have a time of Gospel praise from 10:00 am until 11:30 am on the main stage on the square. Due to the weather conditions on Friday night the group providing the sound system refused to set up their equipment. This threw everything off schedule so adjustments had to be made. When AMA went to start, we found out we were moved from the main stage to a spot on Burkesville St off the square. This was done to keep the main stage free so “Trick Pony” could get set up. The festival committee had committed to feature the group on Saturday night, and I have no problem with that. But, as usual, God had to give up His plans to fit into the “program.”
There seems to be a general principle at work that holds true through much of our society. Namely, if plans are interrupted, go on with the program and work God in where you can. The thought seems to be, “ if you don’t have the time, give God the left overs.” Even in the church family our lives are so well planned around “earthly things” we work God in when and where we can. I am not fussing at people but challenging them to work their schedule around God rather than work God into their schedule.
Matthew 6:33 tells us that God will take care of all our needs if we seek Him first. What about giving Him that chance? Instead of attending church when we can, why not plan to attend church and work our plans around that. Instead of giving to God if we have any money left, why not tithe first and live on the rest. I promise it will go further. We sometimes wonder why certain Biblical promises do not seem to be working for us. Could it be we are not seeking the right thing first? Think about it.