By Jon Beaty
In our fast-paced and ever-changing world, it is all too easy to become consumed by the demands and distractions of daily life. As Christians, we often find ourselves juggling various responsibilities—work, family, finances, and social commitments—while our spiritual priorities take a back seat. 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 powerful verse serves as a reminder that our primary focus should be on our relationship with God and our commitment to His mission. It is a call to prioritize our spiritual growth and the expansion of God's kingdom above all else.
The context of this verse is found in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He addresses the concerns and anxieties of everyday life. He encourages His followers not to worry about material needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter, but to trust in God's provision. By seeking God's kingdom first, we demonstrate our faith in His ability to take care of 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 become priorities without any effort on our part. When we don’t prioritize God’s mission, Satan deploys distractions to keep us busy with his mission. Satan’s temptation of Jesus in the wilderness reveals that Satan’s mission is simply this: Place God’s mission secondary to our own. He bombards us with messages that emphasize the importance of career success, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. He puts problems in our way that cry out for solutions. These pursuits and problems aren’t evil, but when they take priority over our relationship with God and our dedication to His work, they lead to disappointment, or worse, self-destruction.
When we allow temporal priorities to take precedence, we risk losing sight of our true purpose. Our faith may become superficial, and our involvement in church activities and mission work may dwindle. We may find ourselves more concerned with accumulating wealth, climbing the corporate ladder, or enjoying retirement than with spreading the gospel and serving others. This shift in focus can lead to spiritual stagnation and a weakened connection with God.
The Importance of Mission First
As Seventh-day Adventists, we are called to prioritize our mission of sharing the Three Angels' Messages and preparing the world for Christ's second coming. This mission should be at the forefront of our minds and hearts, guiding our decisions and actions.
We must also recognize that we are on the front lines of the great controversy between good and evil. Our commitment to God's mission places us in direct opposition to the forces of darkness. Just as soldiers must remain vigilant and prepared for battle, we too must be spiritually equipped to face the challenges and temptations that come our way.
By placing mission first, we align our lives with God's purpose and experience the transformative power of His presence. Our faith deepens as we rely on Him for strength and guidance. We become more effective witnesses, demonstrating the love and grace of Christ to those around us. Additionally, prioritizing mission fosters a sense of community and unity within the church, as we work together towards a common goal.
Practical Steps to Prioritize Mission
1. Daily Devotion and Prayer: Begin each day with a dedicated time of prayer and Bible study. This helps to center your thoughts on God and His will for your life. As you draw closer to Him, He will reveal opportunities to serve and share your faith.
2. Involvement in Church Activities: Actively participate in church programs and outreach initiatives. Whether it's Sabbath School, Pathfinders, or community service projects, your involvement strengthens your connection to Jesus. the church is Christ’s body and the vessel by which His mission is carried to the world.
3. Witnessing in Everyday Life: Look for opportunities to share your faith in your daily interactions. This can be through acts of kindness, sharing your testimony, sharing literature, or simply living a life that reflects Christ's love and character.
4. Prioritizing Time and Resources: Evaluate how you allocate your time, energy, and resources. Make conscious decisions to invest your time and talents in activities that support your spiritual growth and the advancement of God's kingdom. This may mean cutting back on certain temporal pursuits to make room for mission-focused endeavors.
5. Supporting Mission Work: Contribute to mission projects through financial support, prayer, and volunteering. Stay informed about the needs and progress of various mission fields and find ways to get involved.
Lessons from the Military
Just as soldiers undergo rigorous training and discipline to prepare for battle, we too must cultivate spiritual disciplines that strengthen our faith and readiness for the challenges ahead. Soldiers are taught the importance of unity, loyalty, and perseverance—principles that are equally vital for us as we engage in the spiritual battle.
One key lesson we can learn from the military is the importance of staying mission-focused. Soldiers understand that their ultimate goal is to achieve victory for their cause. Similarly, we must keep our eyes fixed on the mission of spreading the gospel and preparing for Christ's return, undeterred by the distractions and challenges of the world.
Trusting in God's Provision
One of the greatest challenges in prioritizing mission is the fear of lacking temporal necessities. However, the promise of Matthew 6:33 assures us that when we seek God';s kingdom first, He will provide for our needs. This promise invites us to trust in His provision and to let go of our anxieties about the future.
Jesus meant what He said. God's faithfulness is evident throughout the Bible, from the provision of manna in the wilderness to the feeding of the five thousand. These stories remind us that God is more than capable of taking care of His children. By placing our trust in Him, we can focus on our mission with confidence, knowing that He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).
Conclusion
As Seventh-day Adventists, we are entrusted with a unique and urgent mission—to prepare the world for Christ's return. In a world where temporal priorities often dominate, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. By doing so, we not only strengthen our faith but also become powerful instruments in God's hands, bringing hope and salvation to a lost and dying world.
Let us embrace the call of “Mission First” with renewed zeal and determination. Let us prioritize our spiritual growth and the expansion of God's kingdom above all else. And let us trust in God's promise that as we put His mission first, He will take care of all our needs. Together, let us press forward in faith, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.