But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. –Mt. 6:33-34
The sermon on the mount teaches us how to live our lives here and now in light of the reality of the kingdom of heaven. First and foremost, consider the beatitudes. "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"—in other words, people of the kingdom understand that their soul is morally poor before God and they mourn for our broken world (5:3-4). "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth"—people of the kingdom are not fighting vehemently for themselves but are genuinely concerned for their neighbors (v.5). Further, these people are the "salt of the earth"—their lives are intriguing because they model the coming of the kingdom of God (v.13). They are seeking first the kingdom (6:33) through following the beatitudes, or more plainly, through following Jesus Himself.
So in these verses, Jesus is teaching us His approach to life, which stands in great contrast to the way most people approach their lives. Just before Jesus admonishes us not to worry about tomorrow, He instructs us not to be preoccupied with our treasures, our money, our food, our clothing, or even our lives (vv.24-33). Furthermore, Jesus anticipates the "trouble" of each day, not to run from it, but to face it with poise, as a meek one, a peacemaker, and one so confident and secure in God the Father that He need not be anxious for anything. He is subject to the Father's prerogative to guide Him through the rhythm of the 24-hour created order. He approaches each day thinking, praying, and focusing on today.
We, too, must key into the 24 hours God has given us. Tune into His leading throughout the day. Sometimes, the Father has things for us other than our preconceived expectations and already-planned-out list of things to do. Sometimes "trouble" comes, but we can't let it surprise us. We must anticipate it. May we so trust the Father that we face each day with poise, as meek ones, peacemakers, and people who are seeking the kingdom of God one day at a time.
We, too, must key into the 24 hours God has given us. Tune into His leading throughout the day. Sometimes, the Father has things for us other than our preconceived expectations and already-planned-out list of things to do. Sometimes "trouble" comes, but we can't let it surprise us. We must anticipate it. May we so trust the Father that we face each day with poise, as meek ones, peacemakers, and people who are seeking the kingdom of God one day at a time.
