“But seek ye first the kingdom of

God, and his righteousness; 

and all these things shall

be added unto you.”

(Matthew 6:33, KJV)

 

This morning as I was on my way to worship the Lord at church service, I saw a flock of geese taking off for flight. I noticed the lead goose vigorously flapping its wings to get up higher as the other geese followed behind. Instantly, I heard the Lord ask, "Are you willing to take the lead to make sure others get up higher?"

 

Not really sure of His question, I gave no answer. Then our youth pastor ministered about how Jesus spent 20 years in obscurity as he grew. His ministry text was Luke 2:46-52. But the verse he emphasized the most was Luke 2:52 (NIV), "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."

 

I want you to reflect on that question, and on that scripture, too. They both pricked my heart and made me reflect on the previous year of 2022. It was a good year for my family and I, but looking back, I realize that it could have been better spent growing in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man.

 

To become all that Jesus was, He had to completely center His focus on His relationship and walk with God the Father. Because He gave Himself so completely to the will and way of God, we have been blessed with complete forgiveness and the hope of eternal salvation and oneness with God.

 

I know this day, January 1st, is often the time when we launch forward to meet the new goals, we have set for ourselves in the New Year. But should that be our only focus of importance? What value do we really get if we only reach our natural goals, but neglect to center our energies on our spiritual responsibilities?

 

Balance comes when we put the spiritual needs above the natural needs. And true success is gained when God's will is accomplished, instead of our own. I too desire to be more successful, but I have decided to get a better understanding of how God defines success. God is interested in two important things: love for Himself and others, and obedience to His Word and His Will; all of his goodness follows as a result of us being repositioned in love and obedience.

 

"He answered, “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Luke 10:17, NIV).

 

I now understand what God was asking me to do. He put in my remembrance a time when I also noticed a large flock of geese grazing in the grass as we sat at a traffic light in the same area. What really caught my attention and touched my heart so sweetly; was noticing how all the geese were grazing for food, while one goose stood out from the crowd watching as a guard. He was stout and did not move, he just turned his head looking about, scanning the territory while all the other geese feasted.

 

I so love how the animal Kingdom comes together not selfishly, but collectively serving the greater good and well-being of the other animals. We as humans, and especially as Christian believers are supposed to serve and live the same way. This means we are to take the lead to make sure that others get to share in the goodness of God's love, His hope for eternal salvation, and the benefit of His wisdom. The only way we can do this is by giving God all of our attention and commitment to grow, learn, and share the goodness we have been gifted with, Christ Jesus, the hope of glory.