In a world filled with constant demands and pressures, it’s easy to find ourselves overwhelmed by worry and anxiety. We fret about our finances, relationships, careers, and even the smallest details of daily life. But what if there was a way to live beyond the struggle, to build a life we love based on timeless principles? The answer lies in a simple yet profound truth: your priority determines your capacity.
This concept isn’t new. In fact, it’s rooted in ancient wisdom that has stood the test of time. Jesus himself addressed this issue in His famous Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew chapter 6. He begins by telling His listeners, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”
At first glance, these words might seem easy for someone like Jesus to say. After all, He could turn stones into bread and water into wine. But when we look deeper, we realize that Jesus was speaking from experience. He lived a nomadic life, often without a place to lay His head. He knew what it was like to be criticized and judged for every word and action. He had the responsibility of not only feeding Himself but also providing for His disciples – a group of constantly hungry young men. Jesus had plenty of opportunities to worry, yet He chose a different path.
So what’s the secret? Jesus gives us the answer in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” This verse identifies our priority – seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness – and promises that when we get this right, everything else falls into place.
It’s important to note that Jesus doesn’t use the plural “priorities.” There can only be one true priority, one “most important thing.” When we seek God’s kingdom first, we’re submitting to His authority, power, and faithfulness in our lives. We’re putting His will, His ways, and His plans above our own.
This shift in priority has a profound effect on our capacity to handle life’s challenges. Picture your life as a jar. When you seek God first, it’s like filling that jar with the big rocks of faith, prayer, worship, and service. There’s still room for the pebbles and sand of daily life, but they no longer dominate. By prioritizing your relationship with God, you decrease your capacity for negative emotions and increase your ability to handle everything else.
This doesn’t mean that problems magically disappear. Jesus didn’t promise to remove our challenges; He promised to add to us the capacity to face them. When God is our priority, we can look at our struggles and say, “Bring it on!” We know that with God’s help, we can find a way through.
This principle applies to every area of life – finances, relationships, career, health, and more. It’s not just for pastors or “super-Christians.” It’s the norm for anyone who follows Jesus. It’s not about perfection, but about consistently putting God first and trusting Him with the results.
Living this way isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Consider the story of a young man who decided to seek God first from an early age. Through high school, college, marriage, parenthood, and career changes, he consistently prioritized his relationship with God. The result? A life filled with purpose, adventure, and impact far beyond what he could have imagined.
This doesn’t mean he never faced challenges or made mistakes. But by keeping God as his priority, he found the strength and wisdom to navigate life’s ups and downs. His capacity grew over time, allowing him to take on responsibilities and opportunities that might have seemed impossible earlier in his journey.
The beauty of this principle is that it’s never too late to start. Whether you’re just beginning your faith journey or you’ve been walking with God for years, you can choose today to make seeking His kingdom your top priority. Here are a few practical steps to get started:
1. Evaluate your current priorities. Where are you spending most of your time, energy, and resources?
2. Make time for God daily. Start your day with prayer, Bible reading, or worship.
3. Get involved in a faith community. Surround yourself with others who are seeking God first.
4. Look for ways to serve others and advance God’s kingdom in your everyday life.
5. When faced with decisions or challenges, ask yourself, “What would it look like to seek God’s kingdom first in this situation?”
Remember, this isn’t about perfection or earning God’s favor. It’s about aligning your life with His purposes and trusting Him to provide for your needs. As you do this, you may find that your capacity for joy, peace, and impact grows far beyond what you thought possible.
In the end, the choice is yours. You can continue to let the immediate steal space from the eternal, living a life beyond your maximum capacity. Or you can choose to seek God first, trusting Him to add “all these things” to you. Your priority determines your capacity. What will you choose to prioritize today?