We live in a world filled with distractions and temptations, so we really have to be careful about the things we let preoccupy our minds. I have realized that some issues were not so common among our forefathers. For example, issues like anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, laziness, high blood pressure, diabetes, and fear of missing out. These things were not much of a challenge to them as they are to us. At times when I think about it, I wonder why our ancestors had such inner peace even when they faced chaotic circumstances. They have dealt with oppression, slavery, financial struggles, and many other painful situations that could have driven them crazy. Nonetheless, I believe they have mastered some things that we have not yet grasped. I think one of the things they have mastered is the grateful heart of a simple life. It didn’t take much for our ancestors to be grateful and happy. They never made it a habit to focus on what they didn’t have; rather, they learned to be content with what they had. The Bible says in Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” No wonder they lived longer. They rarely suffered from stress and anxiety, and there was less sickness among them. Could it be because they never used to go after some of the things we go after today?
I realized that our busyness in life separated us from many things God created for us to enjoy. For example, something very therapeutic that we often neglect is spending time in His presence. We often think it is an insignificant thing to do, especially when we have a crazy schedule, yet it is the most important and beneficial thing.
Nature is another thing we neglect. Some of us don’t even have time to go for a walk in the park because so many other things demand our attention. We would rather neglect our body and soul care than break away from the status quo. Back then, our ancestors used to work in the garden and spend the whole day out to win bread for their family. They never used to worry about the fear of missing out. They didn’t have to work two jobs to maintain their social status. They barely had time to worry about what others think about them, let alone spending countless hours on social media comparing themselves with others. Today, we have so many things pulling at our attention. Before we know it, our agenda is so full that we become anxious, not only concerning what’s going on in our lives, but also it seems like anxiety becomes our new normal because everybody is anxious about something. The Bible clearly says in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.”
I believe we can save ourselves the trouble and decide not to run after the things of this world. The simpler life is, the more peaceful we are. Many think that those who live a simple life don’t enjoy life at all. I disagree with that statement because I believe we can still enjoy the things that matter in this world without letting these things have us. The headaches begin when we start to pant after them. For example, there is nothing wrong with someone possessing or desiring a nice car. But it becomes a problem when we start to believe that a nice car is what makes us who we are, or when we feel we must have it to prove to others that we are successful. We often set unrealistic goals when we feel pressured. When we see our peer group accomplishing these goals, we start comparing ourselves with others when we cannot meet these criteria. And when we do that, worries will replace our peaceful hearts. It becomes impossible to be content in the season we are in, even if we are blessed in that season. Consequently, it is difficult to count our blessings. Also, we can go to the other extreme by idolizing them. And that is when we love the blessings more than we love the Blesser; hence, the blessings become a snare. We can easily turn anything good into something bad if we don’t learn to practice self-control. That is why ‘self-control’ is listed as a fruit of the Spirit.
One of the powerful verses in the Bible is 1 Corinthians 10:12, which says, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.” At times, we may say: ‘We will never do this or that’, or ‘we can never be in that situation’. Yet, this is when we need to be careful because no one is exempt from sin. That is why Jesus wants us to stay close to Him even after receiving salvation. And that is because life is a road that can easily become slippery.
The Bible says in Jeremiah 17: 9, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” I believe this verse automatically eliminates the need to judge others because we ourselves don’t even know our hearts; we don’t even know what’s in there. This also means that our hearts can surprise us. It is possible to say in one season: ‘I will never do this or that’ and find yourself in another season feeling ashamed of doing the very thing you said you will never do or the very thing you told others not to do. This can happen to any of us; no one is exempt. We must stay sober and vigilant in our walk with God (1 Peter 5:8).
One thing is for sure: the more we run after the things of this world, the more empty we feel. No wonder Solomon said in Ecclesiastes: “Vanity of vanities; all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). It is only when we run after Jesus that we feel the satisfaction we are looking for. And that is not only because we hear people say so but also because we have witnessed it ourselves. I don’t know if you feel like that at times, but I get tired of chasing air or running after nothing. If I’m going to aim at something, especially if it’s something that I’m putting much effort into, it must be something that can bear fruit; otherwise, it is pointless. So, this is exactly how Solomon felt about the things of this world. They were pointless to him; it’s like running after nothing. Seek Ye first the Kingdom of God; indeed, it is the best route. And many of us had to learn this the hard way, and I’ll be the first to admit it.
Pastor David Guzik shares a different perspective on Matthew 6:33 in one of his commentaries, which I think is worth mentioning here. He said that “Seek first the kingdom of God must be the rule of our lives when ordering our priorities. Yet it is wrong to think that this is just another priority to fit onto our list of priorities and put at the top. Instead, in everything we do, we seek the Kingdom first.” And I love the example he shared; he said that “We rarely have to choose between honoring God and loving our wives or being good workers. We honor God and seek first the Kingdom of God by being good husbands and good workers.” So, seeking first the Kingdom of God must be shown in everything that we do; for it is our lifestyle.
I believe this is how we need to go through life. It must always be about what we will or will not do for the sake of the kingdom. When we find ourselves panting after the things of this world, and notice that all our attention is on that one problem, then we know we have lost focus. We need to seek God’s kingdom first, and all these other things will be added. Which means we will not have to worry about them anymore because they will be taken care of.
It is amazing to see that when we try to step outside of what God says, whether intentionally or unintentionally, we soon realize that He was right. It is not worth running after the things of this world at all costs. Because we always end up with high blood pressure, headaches, sleepless nights, and dead ends. Our wicked way of living will only trap us in a never-ending cycle. But when we decide to switch gears and do what God says, then we realize that He wasn’t trying to play tricks on us but really wants to break us free from these cycles. And the only way to break free from them is to go back to God’s instructions and follow them to find rest for our weary souls and to see everlasting results.
No one has our backs as Jesus does!
SCRIPTURES
“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your Word.” Psalm 119:37
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
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