Fields United Methodist Church

Day 47. Take Time to Be Holy

June 4, 2020

“But strive first for the kingdom of God and its righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

Read:  Matthew Chapter 6

I remember in an age gone by the huge trunks of the cars made at the time. Trips to the store or vacations filled the trunks with all kinds of stuff, with room to spare, with little need to think about what to pack. As the trunks became smaller, more thought was needed to figure out what was really needed to take on a trip and what was most important and what could be left behind. With every decision that is made, Jesus is calling us, pleading with us, to strive first for a “kingdom” which is built on God’s grace, mercy, joy, love, and joy and consider these “things” to be the primary rationale for every decision that is made and what is brought to every relationship. To strive for this kingdom is to see all people, all people, as God’s precious children who are beloved, cherished, and called by name. To strive for the righteousness that is based not on division but on a unity of purpose that lives out 2 simple rules; to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, strength, mind and soul, and to love your neighbor as yourself.” Imagine a world that would extend a hand of friendship, words of kindness and hope, and offer grace and mercy even to those the we may not agree with or understand. That is the “kingdom of God” that has no end; a life eternal beginning at the moment of accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior and living a life of “abundance” based on the Word of God.  Jesus is calling us to live our lives considering first the needs of others, considering first reconciliation based on love for another; “What a wonderful world that would be.” That world is here and is offered to all people, it just needs to be accepted and lived. So, strive first for the kingdom of God and its righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” Pack your soul with the love of God and experience the kingdom of God that has no end and witness this new reality to the world.

What do you bring to every relationship to witness the love of God?

What prevents you from seeing all people as God sees them?

How are you taking time to be holy today?

Prayer: Help me to be more like you in all my relationships, thoughts, words, and deeds. May I base all I do on your word of grace, hope, peace, and joy. Amen