First Priority

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” 
- Matthew 6:31-33 NLT

What is your primary concern?

Safety? 
Food? 
Shelter? 
Security? 
Tomorrow?
Today?

As we traveled on a family mission trip to France 10 years ago now, I found myself with plenty of time to think on the many flights over and back. 

I found myself concerned about the work I was missing and the work we were about to do. 
I found myself thinking about financial concerns and the future. 
I found myself thinking about how I was going to take care of my girls, protect them, teach them. 
And thinking about how they were growing up and how I was losing time to spend with them.

Then at some point between moments of sleep and awake, I found myself thinking of God and the work at hand. Reminded of today’s passage, especially verse 33...

“... and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.”

Is the Kingdom of God my primary concern or is everything else primary? 

Are all these other concerns and worries and pressures of the moment what I primarily live for and/or live to resolve, or is it the Lord first and foremost?

Where does Jesus really fit in my personal order of importance?

Where do I fit?

In those moments of prayer (and really through the entire mission trip), my thoughts began to fall less and less on me and my comfort and the comfort of Amy and the girls, to focusing more and more on Jesus and how he may have wanted me uncomfortable so that I could find comfort in Him...
So I could become more and more focused on Him... 
So that I would rely on Him and His strength instead of me and mine.

During those 8 days or so at the camp, my thoughts, concerns and worries grew to be less and less on and about me, and more and more on Jesus.

In the years since we’ve been home, is that still the case? Or have I fallen into the same old habits, the same old thoughts, the same old day to day priorities?

Often, my family and I wonder when, if ever, we will go back to France to share and serve.

Often, I wonder when, or even if, I will ever go back… back to where God once again became my first priority.

Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem