November 5, 2018
Nearly sixty years ago as a relatively new Christian, Dan Nolta memorized passages of Scripture as part of the Navigator’s memory program, and many of those verses continue to stick with him. In this morning’s Fruit of the Vine, Dan asks us to reflect with him on Matthew 6:33, which he first memorized from the King James Version:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Dan reminds us that “these things” referenced in the verse are what we need: “Clothing, food, and shelter – the bare essentials if you will.”
These are things that many of us can safely take for granted. Many of us live in abundance. But Dan points out that this has not always been the case – “I have little desire to go back to those years (after World War II) of doing without because of rationing, or to the days of family hardship.” And even today, it is not the case everywhere or for everyone.
Many of us live in abundance. Much of the world, including many of our neighbors, do not.
But by sharing out of our abundance – practicing “a life of simplicity, seeking to pare down” – this reality in the world of have and have not might shift. Because when we seek a realizing of the kingdom of God and of God’s righteousness, we become more sensitive to the needs of our neighbors; we become more generous in the sharing of what we have; we revel in the miracle of enough: God’s kingdom comes, and God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
Thank you,
Eric Muhr
P.S. Seeds of hope is the three-year campaign to fund the ministry of Barclay Press by developing new titles, supporting small churches, and balancing the budget. In order to stay on target to meet our goal of $162,000 by December 31, 2020, we need to get to $54,000 by the end of this year. As of this morning, we have raised $35,594 in gifts and pledges.
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