Mission First
Prioritizing Spiritual Goals in a Temporal World
In our fast-paced and ever-changing world, it's easy to become consumed by daily life's demands and distractions. As Christians, we often juggle work, family, finances, and social commitments, which can cause our spiritual priorities to slip. However, the importance of placing Jesus' mission first cannot be overstated.
Answering the Call
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33, NKJV). This verse reminds us that our primary focus should be on our relationship with God and our commitment to His mission. It's a call to prioritize our spiritual growth and the expansion of God's kingdom above all else.
This teaching comes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He addresses everyday life's anxieties. He encourages us not to worry about material needs but to trust in God's provision. By seeking God's kingdom first, we demonstrate faith in His ability to meet our temporal needs while we focus on what truly matters—our spiritual well-being and the fulfillment of His mission.
Distractions, Disappointment & Destruction
Temporal demands naturally become priorities if we don't consciously choose otherwise. When we fail to prioritize God's mission, Satan uses distractions to keep us busy with his agenda, which is to place God's mission secondary to our own. He bombards us with messages about career success, financial stability, and personal fulfillment, along with problems that demand immediate solutions. While these pursuits aren't inherently evil, when they overshadow our relationship with God and our dedication to His work, they can lead to disappointment or worse, self-destruction.
Neglecting spiritual priorities can lead to a superficial faith and reduced engagement in church activities or mission work. We might become more focused on material gains or personal comfort than on spreading the gospel and serving others, leading to spiritual stagnation and a weakened connection with God.
The Importance of Mission First
For Christians, our mission is clear: to make disciples, baptize and teach Christ’s commandments, loving as Jesus loves, and living out the gospel in our daily lives. This mission should guide our decisions and actions, keeping our focus on spiritual rather than temporal gains.
We are in a spiritual battle where our commitment to God's mission pits us against the forces of darkness. Like soldiers, we must remain vigilant, equipped with spiritual armor to face challenges and temptations.
By prioritizing mission, we align our lives with God's purpose, experiencing His transformative power. Our faith deepens, making us more effective witnesses of Christ's love and grace. This focus also fosters community and unity within the church as we work towards a common goal.
Practical Steps to Prioritize Mission
Daily Devotion and Prayer: Start your day with prayer and Bible study to center your thoughts on God's will.
Involvement in Church Activities: Engage in church programs or community service, strengthening your connection to the church and its mission.
Witnessing in Everyday Life: Share your faith through kindness, testimony, or by living a life that reflects Christ's love.
Prioritizing Time and Resources: Assess how you spend your time and resources, making room for spiritual growth and mission work.
Supporting Mission Work: Support missions through prayer, financial contributions, or volunteering.
Lessons from the Military
Soldiers learn discipline, unity, loyalty, and perseverance—principles we can adopt in our spiritual lives. Staying mission-focused, like soldiers in battle, ensures we remain committed to spreading the gospel and preparing for Christ's return.
Trusting in God's Provision
The fear of lacking temporal necessities can challenge our focus on mission, but Matthew 6:33 reassures us that God will provide when we seek His kingdom first. Biblical stories like the provision of manna or the feeding of the five thousand affirm
Today, commit to "Mission First" with renewed zeal, prioritizing our spiritual growth and the expansion of God's kingdom. Trusting in God's promise, we can confidently focus on our mission, knowing our labor in the Lord is not in vain. Press forward in faith, spreading hope and salvation in a world that needs it more than ever.