In the last reflection, I focused on how God has placed such tremendous value on each of us. He considers us more valuable than all creation; because of this, we are guaranteed provision for our needs. Therefore, we have no need to worry or be anxious. Instead, we can rest and trust in his loving care.
Some will point to the referenced scripture passage (Matthew 6:25-34), however, and highlight the requirement to first seek the kingdom of God. They will then argue that God will provide only after first seeking his kingdom. While this position can certainly have some merit, my concern with many of us today is that we treat God’s love as a contract. In other words, as the old adage goes, “If you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.” In such a case, we view God’s love as conditional—we must earn his provision by our constant seeking. To put it another way, his love and provision are predicated on our performance.
So, at this point, each of us are forced to ask ourselves the question…Why am I obeying?
Do I obey so that my needs are met? Do I obey to find joy? Do I obey to remain in God’s favor? Is my obedience narcissistic and self-serving? Essentially, is my obedience driven by selfishness and personal benefit?
Is my obedience driven by selfishness and personal benefit?
Or am I obeying because there is an external expectation for performance? Do people expect me to behave and live a certain way because of my role?
Perhaps you’re a pastor, elder, ministry leader, or such, and because of that, there is an expectation that you would seek the kingdom of God before your own desires. Therefore, you force yourself into obedience while attempting to convince yourself that “this is all for God’s glory.” Ultimately, your obedience is still driven by selfishness, but it’s to be recognized as a faithful servant and solid performer. Recognition is your reward.
While seeking the kingdom of God is commanded by Jesus, we must remember two essential things. First, we must determine our reason for obedience. Our motivation to obey should never be to receive, but simply because we are valued. And our value to God extends much further than anything we could ever accomplish for him. To believe that our value is based on performance would be like me suggesting that my wife’s value is in her ability to clean, fix dinner, and care for our kids. Most of us would never accept this rationale when considering our spouse. Why then do we take this position as it relates to us with God?
Furthermore, the value of a painting or a sculpture isn’t found in its own ability, as it has none. Its responsibility—the reason for its existence—is simply to be and to reflect the creativity and magnificence of its artist. Simply put, we are not valuable because of what we do but because of who fearfully and wonderfully created us.
We are not valuable because of what we do but because of who fearfully and wonderfully created us.
Second, the command to seek is not one of constant reality but of possibility and volition. In other words, Jesus understood that seeking the kingdom of God is not something we naturally do. Instead, he exhorts us to do so, presenting it as a possibility—it isn’t beyond our reach. However, because seeking the kingdom doesn’t come naturally, we must consciously will ourselves to do so. Seeking the kingdom first is not beyond us, but we must exert effort to prioritize it.
Do not be motivated to seek God and his kingdom for gain or for reward, but seek because of his delight in you.