Seek His Kingdom

"Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you." (Luke 12:12-32)

The words of Jesus in Luke 12 warn us of hypocrisy, covetousness, and anxiousness. As Christians, these are feelings and attitudes that many of us struggle with and can often be significant obstacles to our personal relationship with Christ. Even more significant concern is that each is usually interconnected and can manifest itself together.

While speaking to the crowds, Jesus began with a warning of "the leaven of the Pharisees." It is a metaphor for hypocrisy, as it only takes a little bit of leaven to affect a great mass. This was especially important for the disciples to remember, as hypocrisy can often be strongest in those who enjoy high prestige or success.

We hear the "Parable of the Rich Fool", who has become more concerned with justice related to his inheritance rather than the covetousness that was at the root of his question for Jesus. As the man asked Jesus to take a side in an inheritance matter, Jesus used this opportunity to address our need to guard ourselves against covetousness. In verse 15, Jesus said, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Jesus then spoke to His disciples directly regarding anxiousness. He used examples of the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. God feeds and clothes each of them, as He also provides for us.

Worry often comes concerning material things in life and distracts us from having faith and trust in Him to provide. Jesus says in verse 31, "Instead, seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you." Jesus does not speak to trust God sometimes or in certain circumstances. No, He asks to trust Him always. This is how we should approach everything in our lives because He is our sole Provider of all good things.

LET US PRAY - Lord, in this season of Lent, give us a heart of gratitude. Help us be guarded against hypocrisy. Grant us resistance from the temptation of coveting and calm our anxiousness as we seek Your kingdom and Your righteousness. In Jesus' name. Amen.