Teachings of Jesus Muestra

Side Streets It may be difficult to fathom, but the divine Jesus was also fully human. Therefore, He can identify with the daily difficulties of His followers. Jesus knows the disciples to whom He addresses the Sermon on the Mount have dally concerns—getting clothed, fed, and housed. He knows those things tend to create worry. Anxiety. Angst. Jesus makes a provocative statement: “Seek God’s kingdom first, and all the other things you are concerned about will be added unto you.” Since Kingdom righteousness is a condition of the heart, we need to gain a proper perspective. God made us and has our best interest at heart. He gave us the gift of making choices, the power and knowledge to make good decisions. He gave us a “narrow gate” through which we can find our heart’s fulfillment. The route is not as broad, obvious, and instantly gratifying as sin, which is why not many find it. But the world promises everything and delivers nothing. Jesus asks us to seek God first and promises we gain all in return. If we seek, we will find. If we knock, the door of opportunity will be opened to us. God is our good Father, and He desires what is best for us. Keeping our focus on Him is the only way to righteousness. Of course, if we seek God’s Kingdom and His righteousness as our first priority, this will most certainly affect our perspective on life’s daily necessities. Worry about what we don’t have can be replaced with gratitude for what we do have. Kingdom living is a more productive way of living than seeking only what the world has to offer. The Sermon on the Mount is more than a spiritual guide. It is an eminently practical means to meet our deepest longings. Living in integrity, serving others, setting aside addictions to pleasure and fame all indeed lead to our having a greater capacity to meet our daily needs. Our Father in Heaven knows what we need. Jesus taught us to trust Him. Jesus, help me to trust in Your provision for my needs. Help me to put Your Kingdom first.