Funny how God's Word is so constant yet every time you read it you see something new. i love that about the Living Word. So today in my daily reading i came across this scripture that i have heard used so many times from pulpits, speakers, friends, and well meaning people and even i myself have said it a million times or so. As i read it anew today a thought struck me, "what was the writer actually talking about referring to the "all"?" the Word is pretty self explanatory and most of the time you can find explanation within a few verses. so i took it up a few verses and this is what i found.
If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. 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. Matthew 6:30-33 (message)
Most of you have heard this verse a little different.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 (king james)
I know right? so different? well not really. the "all" is not the extravagant over abundance of things or self indulgent wishes. "all" is the simple basic needs that God promises us not to go without. don't get me wrong, there are many verses talking about abundance and God's promises of prosperity. and i do believe that we have every right as an adopted child of the King to not miss out. but, i think too often we look at the scriptures and how they can benefit us when we should be looking as to how they will benefit our King and those around us.
His righteousness is nothing we do ourselves and "all" those things are not ours either. the only thing in that verse that is ours is the ability to seek and even at that God chose us, Jesus died for us, and the Holy Spirit is drawing us closer. pretty much takes us completely out of the picture. and at the same time it is all about us responding to the precious Love of the Father. giving out what He has given us. so the "all" takes on a different voice. not one calling the "all" to ourselves but to those around us in need of a Saviour and all that He adds to our lives.
So which ever translation you like better "steep your life in God" or "seek ye first" it is He and not me or we that is the focus. the "all" is most joyously added when we look first to His All.
for a more complete look at this thought check out themessage Bible and read all of Matthew 6.
