Run After God

Matthew 6: 31 – 34 (NIV): 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

     True, we shouldn’t worry. We should let God worry about us instead. God, who takes care of his creation and knows full well everything we need. God, who loves us so much he sent his only son to die for us. If he will give us such a remarkable and expensive gift, won’t he provide for our daily needs?

    But I want us to notice how Jesus said, “the pagans run after all these things.” Pagans are people who do not worship the true God. They are people who worship idols and false gods.  They serve their own appetites. Jesus had previously said, in verse 24, “You cannot serve both God and money.” You have to choose. You will be fully devoted and completely loyal to either wealth or God. It’s an age-old conflict - materialism versus faith.

     Running after materialism leaves us unfulfilled. It’s a carrot on a stick that we can never quite reach. It is never enough. No matter how much we spend we are left unsatisfied, wanting more. Running after God will give us fulfillment, purpose, love, acceptance and peace. And it will keep us from worrying. Worrying only makes things worse. The stronger our faith, the less we worry. Concentrate on building your faith instead of your portfolio and let God take care of you.

     Seek God First. Run after him. Get to know him. Desire having a relationship with him most. Concentrate on being more and more righteous. Let God take care of everything else, one day at a time.