Christ promised that our physical needs would be met if we seek him The Lord warns us that we should not let ourselves be turned aside by the needs of the body, but always keep the needs of the soul at the
How easy to forget and neglect
We are constantly reminded of our bodily needs by our bodily senses and desires, and by the material world. If we forget to eat physical food, we will be reminded by hunger pains. If we neglect to clothe our bodies and to collect fire wood, we will be reminded by feeling cold. If we neglect to earn and save money, then bills in the mail will soon
However, it is much easier to forget the needs of the spirit, because the promptings are not automatic. Deprivation signals don't remind us when we forget or neglect to read our Bibles, to pray, to talk about Jesus, to attend church services, and so forth. If we are fortunate, a concerned brother or sister, who is aware of our neglect, may stir us up to remember, or in some other way, God in his providence may cause us to notice our neglect or forgetfulness. However such reminders
The Power of Habit
We have one power in our favour, the force of habit. If we get into the habit over a long period, of always putting God's kingdom first, then it will not be so easy for us to forget and to neglect.
Christ promised that our physical needs would be met if we seek him
A. We should not be anxious about food, clothing, and shelter. God provides food for the birds and he clothes the wildflowers. How much more will he look after us, since we are more valuable than they
B. David said, "I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous person forsaken nor his children begging bread"
C. When we put God first in this world, we will always be looked after even in times of persecution, and in the world to come we will have eternal life
Making provision for this life is commendable, and necessary up to a point. However, labouring for eternal life
A. If we do not provide for our own, we are worse than the infidel
B. Paul writes, "If anyone will not work, neither should he eat"
C. However, laboring for eternal life is more important than working for the things of this world. Jesus said, "Labour not for the food which perishes, but for the food that endures unto eternal life". Comparing this with the above passages, we see that, while some earthly work is necessary, we can work too long and hard for earthly comforts, and neglect to work for things eternal
By forgetting and neglecting the things that are eternal and spiritual, we can foolishly exchange our souls for the things that are only
A. Jesus asked, "What is a man profited, if he gains the whole world yet loses his own soul? Or what shall he give in exchange for his soul?"
B. Jesus illustrates this principle with the parable of the foolish rich farmer, who made excessive provision for this life and did not think about his soul
C. Nothing we can gain in this world is worth the loss of what Jesus has gone to prepare for us in his Father's heavenly house
By not seeking God we forget the purpose for which we were created, and overlook the reward God has in store for those who
A. God considers people wise who seek him. "The Lord looks down on the sons of men to see if there are any who act wisely, who seek after God"
B. God created man for the purpose that man should seek him. "God made from one every nation of mankind... that they should seek God"
C. God will reward the one who seeks him. "God is a rewarder of those who seek him"
See acknowledgement in first lesson