'To Bless All Mankind' November 9, 2015 Issue

A spiritual priority and its long-term blessings

Stephen Carlson

Originally published in The Christian Science Monitor, July 13, 2015.

As I was reading the Monitor editorial “Patience as a corporate virtue” (CSMonitor.com, June 24, 2015), I began thinking about Christ Jesus’ teaching, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). The “things” Jesus refers to are basic needs such as food and clothing. Yet the Master’s words establish a priority for every aspect of experience. The concept of priorities is also apparent in the editorial. It talks about the desire for quick profits—on the part of corporations and investors—at the expense of wiser, long-term decision-making.

The building of wealth quickly, even if unwisely, may sometimes seem a necessity. But Jesus’ words guide thought in a different direction. They reveal the most meaningful kind of priority—one so important to spiritual progress and that also brings to light appropriate answers. His words show that whatever the genuine need may be, it would be a mistake to leave God out of the picture, as though He had no connection to the well-being of His children. He should, in fact, be first in our lives, because He is the only true creator and provider.

I remember a time when income just wasn’t equal to expenses. For a while, the focus of my prayers was on having sufficient funds. Then one day I felt a deep desire to serve God and bless humanity more fully, and that God-centered desire began to overshadow the financial concerns. In a very real sense I had put Him first, and the situation adjusted in a perfect way.

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