Heavenly Minded

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

In the culture we live in today, it is very easy to become complacent with your daily life. Although we need to be content with what we have, but from a spiritual standpoint, have you come to a place where you’re satisfied with your relationship with Jesus? I certainly hope not!

Last night I was talking with my wife and I was telling her when I was single, it was very hard to find a true Godly woman. I prayed that God would put me with someone who truly holds such reverence for God. Who isn’t satisfied with where she is spiritually. I have made a decision to give every area of my life to Jesus and to live separated from this world. That is to live in the world but not of its ways. Therefore, I want to be with someone that wants to live that way too. Well, I am very grateful to say He has answered that prayer and put me with a woman who is always striving to get closer to Him.

God’s word says not to be unequally yoked (2 Cor 6:14). That means not to marry a non-christian if you are a christian. However, these days everyone says they are a christian and we know that’s not true according to Matthew 7:14. What I think that really is saying is how much are they willing to live separated from the ways of this world. How much Jesus do you want? For me, I had to narrow my search for a Godly woman. My relationship had to be Jesus first and uncompromising on the way I live for Him. He needs to be the rock on what my marriage will be built on. What kind of music do they listen to? What type of movies do they watch? Have they done away with television? Do they walk with Jesus every day in His Word and in prayer? Do they have a desire to help others? Are they living a repenting lifestyle? And on and on… I realize that search gets very tight, but I refuse to live any other way.

This world is filled with distractions for the person who lives for God. Jesus was always getting away to spend time with His Father in Heaven. He would get up early and go off by Himself before anyone else got up. He held His relationship with the Father with such devotion, reverence and importance!

In Matthew 18:1 it was asked of Jesus by His disciples “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?” And Jesus’ reply was unless you are converted and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. So, what exactly does He mean “become like little children?”

You know, since I’ve been married and became a father to 5 children who I did not bring into this world. God has entrusted me with them to teach them the ways of the Lord. I sometimes refer to them as step-sons and step-daughter but I feel conviction over that. It sounds less personal that way. And my relationship is dedicated to their whole lives with love and concern for the way they are brought up with the Word of God. So, I’m going to drop the “step” if that’s ok.

My 13-year-old daughter and my 11-year-old son are always asking to go with me to places. They don’t care where we go, just that we go even if it is to work with me. My 9-year-old son asks me “So, when are we going fishing”? It wasn’t a question to see if I would take him. He already assumed I would. He just wanted to know when. Take a look at any child that loves spending time with his daddy. He always wants to do things with him no matter what it is. They are telling other people about their daddy… My daddy can do this. My daddy can do that. My daddy is strong. Its like “Daddy” is at the forefront of their mind all the time. That is what Jesus is talking about being little children.

A few times Jesus referred to the Father as “Abba” (Mark 14:36, Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6). Abba is more of intimate way of saying Father like “Daddy” or “Papa”. Even saying it like that is humbling. The true meaning of humility is seeing yourself as you really are and seeing God as who He really is. That puts everything in its proper place.

I was also talking to my wife about our marriage and how that ties in with Jesus. I remember back in high school before I knew the Lord, I had relationships that I thought was love but it really wasn’t. But, now that I know the Lord, we have a relationship that is Christ centered. Only a relationship with Jesus can you have a perfect balance in one with a spouse. When we both set our minds on Him and discuss His character brings us closer as a couple. It’s like a triangle. Jesus being at the top and the husband on one end while the wife is on the other side. When the husband and wife are at both corners they are far a part from each other. When they get closer to Jesus at the top, they become closer together! I love that picture of a perfect threesome only with the true and living God.

"And it shall be in that day," Says the Lord, "That you will call Me 'My Husband,' And no longer call Me 'My Master'... (Hosea 2:16)

May I challenge you today to take a look at your level of commitment to Jesus? Do you spend time with Him? I’m not just talking about praying while you drive or praying with your children or spouse, although we need to being doing that to. I’m talking about taking 30 minutes, an hour or even 2 hours with Jesus alone reading His word and praying to Him asking Him to search your heart and thanking Him. Seek His kingdom first and all things, which are according to Him, will be added to you.