A Question of Loyalty

Listen.

May 25th, 2008

Rev. Dr. Craig A. Wagner

Introduction

     There are times when I have difficulty determining what to wear. I get up in the morning and begin to think about what to wear for the day. I think about what is happening during the day and determine what style of clothing to wear. If it’s my day off and I’m painting or planting something, I will wear old clothing that will not be ruined by stains or dirt. Of course, if I’m going out to dinner that night I need to reevaluate my wardrobe. The evening clothing is determined by which restaurant we may be going to or what other plans we might have. Now once the style of clothing is determined, then I begin to wonder about whether or not the clothing coordinates with itself in terms of color, style and fit. Finally, I’ll ask Lorna about what I picked out and then realize I have to begin all over again!

     Perhaps many of you are in the same situation when it comes to clothing. We fret and worry and are concerned that we look nice, neat and in style. Even as I am concerned about my clothing, I remember the words of Henry David Thoreau in his book, Walden. “Every generation laughs at the old fashions but follows religiously the new.” The bottom line, does it really matter the style or even whether things go together? What are we worried about? The younger generation wouldn’t be caught dead in what we wear.

     The only bright spot on my horizon is that it is extremely easy for me to know what to wear on Sundays! So now let’s move on: “What’s for dinner?”

 

Loyalty to Jesus

     This morning our passage includes Jesus’ admonition against worry and concern for food, clothing and drink. This is part of his Sermon on the Mount. The complete sermon is found in chapters 5-7 of the gospel of Matthew. We remember that Jesus took his disciples up the mountain and began teaching them about the Kingdom of the Heavens and about how different the priorities are for those who follow him than for others who do not know him. Included in the sermon are the Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer as well as many teachings that serve to confound common wisdom in his day as well as today.

     This passage is no exception. The world is concerned about food, clothing, drink and gasoline. Jesus is stating and instructing his followers that they are to trust in God above all things, even those things that are material in nature.

     People are concern about things, aren’t they? Aren’t we? There is even beyond the clothing, food and drink issues, the issues of success, power, and popularity. Perhaps even the initial disciples were thinking in terms of the power and prestige of following Jesus especially when he ushered in the kingdom. Still, they were probably concerned with the same things that we are concerned with today.

     But the kingdom that Jesus is speaking about is different. It has different priorities, it has a different perspective on life, and it is a call to live differently than others. This challenge would prove to be difficult for the first disciples to follow. They would be challenged along the way; they would be persecuted for their beliefs; and most of them would ultimately give their life for the sake of the gospel. Through it all, Jesus calls them to be faithful and to be loyal to God and to the mission that they would be given to do in the world.

     This is a question of loyalty. The first disciples left everything to follow Jesus and to be a part of that energizing and engaging mission. They left family, friends, jobs, and homes and went off on that great adventure. Now in this passage Jesus is offering some comfort and encouragement to them. He reminds them that life in the kingdom and in mission is more than simply food and clothing and drink. Life gains meaning as one seeks first the kingdom of God.

     As a person seeks first the kingdom then all else falls into place. Why be so concerned and even worry about earthly items. God knows what we need. God provides for his people and through his people. Life is more than food and the body more than clothing. We cannot add one moment to our life span no matter how much we desire it or how much we have accumulated. The importance of the passage then is to remind the disciples to remain loyal to God seeking to do his will and to serve him. It brings them a different perspective to life and to the importance of living in God’s kingdom rather than the kingdoms of this world.

 

Our loyalty

     This passage certainly speaks to us, doesn’t it? It would have us consider what is important in our lives. It would ask us about our loyalties and where we place our trust. How would we answer? Ultimately this is not about what we are wearing or eating or drinking, it is about whether or not we live lives that are focused on Christ and on serving him faithfully above everything else.

     This is a passage that calls into question our faithful response to the gospel of Jesus. Do we seek first the kingdom of God? Do we live our life in mission, ministry and service? Or are we more loyal to that which society tells us is most important? Think about it: Does my profession demand so much of me that I have trouble living my faith? Do recreational pursuits get in the way? If people viewed my life what loyalties would they see?

     In his book, Attack on Christendom, Soren Kierkegaard tells a story that gives a sense just how far removed from this text one’s own situation is. It is the story of a ministerial candidate named Ludvig From, who first seeks a royal appointment as a pastor. He first must pass his exams, then “first” complete the church’s exams and graduate from seminary, then “first” get engaged, then “first” must negotiate salary, and then he stands in the pulpit and preaches his first sermon on the text, “Seek first the kingdom of God.” The bishop is impressed by the sermon and the doctrine in it and especially the way he emphasized the word “first.” But does it seem that in this instance a correspondence between speech and life would be desirable (Attack on Christendom p. 208)? Although Kierkegaard saw this played out in the church of his day, isn’t this story apropos to each life here?

     Consider what you are seeking first in life. Is it the Kingdom of God or is it something else? When asked to be involved in some ministry, use your spiritual gifts in the building up of the church, in giving of your finances, how many of us say things like: First, I have to do my homework. First, I have to go to practice for the team, band, whatever. First, I must attend college. First, I have to pay for college. First, I need to get a good job and that demands my loyalty. First, I want to get married and settle down. First, I want to take care of my children. First, I need to save for retirement. First, I need to… Let someone else do it; someone who is younger. Let them participate, use their gifts and give of their resources just as I did when I was young!

     This morning the challenge is to get straight our priorities; to seek first the kingdom of God for our own worry and anxiety and even the best planning can not secure the future for us. May the spirit convict us of our mediocre faith and lives lived in loyalty to that which is not of the Kingdom.

 

The grace of God

     As we read this passage and consider our own overly planned lifestyles, there is a freeing and grace-filled theme that permeates the words and touches our hearts. The passage reminds us that in Christ lives can be turned around and that meaning and abundant living are ours. The disciples lived an itinerant lifestyle and were cared for. This passage calls us, not to lives of itinerant living or to alternative lifestyles, or even lives that will give up everything. This passage simply puts into perspective the importance of living lives that are loyal to the Lord and to the mission of the church.

     Ultimately, the only thing that matters is our trust and faith in Christ. We seek to be his people in the world today. By God’s grace we are called to live in mission and ministry proclaiming and living lives that seek first the kingdom of God. Through it all – through our ups and downs, our pains and sorrows, our riches and poverty – yes, even through high gas prices and falling home values, God is with us and his mercy endures. Lift up your hearts, be loyal to the Lord, place your faith and trust in him and live in the freedom of the gospel.

     This text is not a law oriented passage that tells us to leave our profession, become poverty stricken, live a life of solitude or go out into the wilderness and let God provide. Rather, this is an open directive to challenge us to view our life and determine our priorities and our loyalties. And then to do the work that God wants us to do and has gifted us to do. In other words, we are called to focus on Christ, seek first the kingdom and live in righteousness with the abundant blessing of God. Do not let worry and anxiety keep you from living faithfully.

 

Conclusion

     There is the story of two men on a cross-country bicycle trip. They were on a tandem bike. For the first few miles the land was level and they pumped along with great energy. But then the road began to rise and they panted and puffed as they slowly reached the top of the hill. Catching their breath, wiping away the sweat from their faces, the front rider said, “Whew that was a hard climb.” “Yeah,” agreed the other, “and if I hadn’t kept the brake on, we probably would have slid back to the bottom.” Anxiety and worry can hold us back keep us focusing on the wrong “firsts” in life. Relax, allow God’s love, grace and presence lift you and bring you encouragement as we seek first to do the things that are of the Kingdom. Amen.