Seek Ye the Kingdom of God

I have heard this sermon countless times in my life. I remember enjoying it when I was young because it mentioned flowers, and I have always loved flowers, but that was about all I understood. 

And then I became a college student, and started making big decisions for myself and my future. "Seeking the kingdom of God first" all of the sudden took on a whole new meaning and it was actually that scripture that gave me the courage to set everything aside for 18 months and serve a mission for my God. 

Then I became a missionary. I remember I had only been in Queens, NY for a month, hardly spoke Spanish and still was startled each time someone crankily honked a car horn. I was stressed, confused and worried how in the world I was going to make it through another 15 months of this. I remember kneeling down by my bed in that dark apartment, my face in my bed covers, and quite literally wetting my blanket with my tears, crying to the Lord for help. As if on cue, the next day, my wonderful father sent me a letter about how he had learned that worrying doesn't make us any taller or even better. And at that, "And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?" meant a lot more to me. 

Now, still as a missionary, I have been struggling with some health issues that have made it difficult to serve as I would like. One day this past week, after a particularly difficult Doctor's appointment, I came across this video. I haven't really watched through the "Bible Videos" put out by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, most of them have come out since I left on my mission and didn't have real access to a computer. But I am so grateful to have come across this one, because for the first time, the admonition to "Consider the Lilies" was much more than just thinking of pretty flowers. At this time it was a kind and gentle reminder that God is aware of my circumstance, knows what I need, and will take care of me as easily and naturally as he does the lilies of the field.

I am so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and His life and example.  It is little wonder that Christ repeated this sermon when he visited the Ancient Americas as recorded in the Book of Mormon. I do not know what your challenge is today, or what part of this beautiful sermon is for you. But I know He does, and that as you seek Him, certain and special parts of this sermon will speak to you in the situation you are in now. I know that as we knock, we will find and that indeed it is his "Good pleasure to grant [us] the kingdom."

Luke 12:13-34

13And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.

14And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

15And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

16And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

17And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

18And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

19And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

20But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

21So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

22And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

23The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

24Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

25And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

26If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

27Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

28If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

31But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

33Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

34For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.