Seeking the Kingdom First

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.” For an individual, “all these things” means clothes, food, and shelter. For a church, “all these things” means buildings, grounds, staff, and money to pay bills. To seek the kingdom first is to focus our time and energy on what God wants from us – love God, love each other, and make disciples – while we trust God to provide buildings, staff, and money.

As I look at New Hope, I see us seeking first the kingdom of God. Jesus told us to make disciples and baptize them. We have baptized Lindsey Rodriguez, Bobbi Frederick, Tim Fisher, Gabi Abdenabbi, Sam Senatro, and Annie Roberts. Jesus told us to teach disciples to obey his commandments: “Wash on another’s feet” (serve one another); “Love one another as I have loved you.” We love each other and are growing in receiving and giving Real Love, unconditional love.

I like the way Eugene Peterson puts Matthew 6:33-34 in The Message; “Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.”

As we focus on “God-reality” and “God provisions,” we don’t have to worry about missing out. God is taking care of our “everyday human concerns.” Our grounds look better every day. John Rising and Jim McCroskey have given good leadership to getting our lights and our sign in place. Meanwhile, we have called Cheryl Secunda to be Director of Children and Youth Ministries and Vernon Buchanan to be Caretaker of Buildings and Grounds. Cheryl will continue to lead Kid’s Connection and Youth Connection and serve as a resource person to all who teach Children and Youth in Sunday School and Children’s Church. Vernon will take care of the cleaning and upkeep of our buildings and grounds.

Let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and the kingdom of God. We won’t have to worry about missing out. God will take care of our needs. Think about these things. Give “your attention to what God is doing right now” as you make your commitment to give to New Hope Baptist Church in 2009.