Article March 5, 1966 Issue

Putting First Things First

JACK HILLMAN THORNTON

The advice to put first things first is familiar to many of us. It may be used when we are considering what course of action to take in the solving of many types of problems that appear in connection with our work or our home or possibly with the road to health and happiness. But putting first things first is not confined to problem areas in our experience. since it can be carefully considered in the planning or arranging of almost anything from a shopping tour to a vacation.

The Bible has much to say on the subject of what must come first in our individual experience if we are to enjoy a happy, healthy, and abundant sense of life. The master Christian, Christ Jesus, stated plainly what must come first when he said (Matt. 6:33), "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." He made this statement after going over numerous things that men are prone to be interested in, such as what to eat, what to drink, and what to wear. Undoubtedly he knew that there would be those individuals who would be tempted to have more faith in the "things" than in first seeking the kingdom of God, for earlier in the chapter he gave the warning (verse 24), "No man can serve two masters." In other words, first things first!

Jesus did not leave any doubt about where the kingdom of God is to be found, for it is recorded that he said (Luke 17:21), "The kingdom of God is within you." The kingdom of God, then, is not in some far-off place "out there" and surrounded by a veil of mystery, but it is here and now within reach of each one of us. We can expect to demonstrate the statements of the Master to the extent that we understand them.

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