Time
Time, we all have the same amount of it. What things consume our time? Providing clothing and food to our families, accomplishing household duties, educating our children… these things are necessary, and yet what does the Lord say about such things?
Matthew 6:33-34 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
Jesus told a parable about 4 seeds. The first seed fell on by the wayside, and fowls came and devoured them. This is the person who hears the gospel, but doesn’t receive it because the devil comes and snatches it away. The second seed fell on stony places and were quickly scorched of the sun due to lack of earth. This is the person who receives the word, but turns away from God when tribulation or persecution arises. The third seed is sowed among thorns. This is the person who hears the word, “and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.” (Matt. 13:22) The fourth seed is sown in good ground, and brings forth fruit. This is the person who walks in the spirit of God and produces fruit for His kingdom.
The seed I want to think about is the third seed. We are in danger of becoming this seed. It is hard being the housekeeper, private tutor, cook, household manager, taxi service, and so on, for our families. It is easy to get focused on these things which bear so much weight on our lives. These things seem so urgent. We must get to soccer practice on time. We have to complete the science project on time. We need to buy birthday gifts for our niece’s party. We have to bake cookies for the teacher meeting. Our child failed his math test; we need to make corrections and review the material. The list of demands on our lives is endless. I don’t know of a single Providence mom who sits down and thinks, “Hmmm, what should I do? I’m bored.” Because of this, we must make a choice to seek first the kingdom of God. It is a choice we make daily, hour by hour, minute by minute. Satan will tell us there is no time today for the kingdom of God. Don’t allow yourself to listen to his lies. He desires you to be the third seed, overcome by the cares of this world.
Someone who is focused on the kingdom of God will not lose her temper with her children. She will speak with joy about upcoming projects, papers and assignments. (Remember, joy is not based on circumstances; it is the inward out flowing of the spirit of God which triumphs over circumstances.) She will smile when her husband comes home rather than start in retelling complaints from the day. She will encourage her children to not complain about things they do not want to do, and she will be an example of a bridled tongue. She will have songs of praise to the Lord on her heart throughout the day, and will pray without ceasing.
Now, if it seems like I have been peeking in your window, and am accusing you of failing to be focused on the kingdom of God, take heart. I would not be so bold as to take the speck out of your eye when there is a plank in my own. God has put these things on my heart because it is what he is working on me with, and I simply share my trials and ask that we journey toward righteousness together, encouraging one another to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto us. Take note, our job is to seek; His job is to add these things to us. All He asks is obedient seekers, and He will change our hearts into the image of Himself. Praise be to God for his wonderful plan of salvation and redemption out of our fleshly bodies into his marvelous light!
Serving the Lord,
Cindy Palen
