Feeding the Birds
For the last several years I have enjoyed feeding the birds. We see many yellow finches in the summer and all sorts of feathered friends in the winter. The red cardinals against the white snow is a daily picture. The chickadees and swallows are our most frequent guests. The pesky blue jays are party crashers, but there is enough for all. This year we had a flock of robins feasting on the holly berries. I know the birds don’t worry about their next meal, but I do.
In the Gospels it says not to be afraid and not to worry, and that I am of more value than many sparrows. If the sparrow is not concerned about what to eat or wear, then why should I be? If God takes care of the birds of the air, then He will surely provide for me. I am also told not to worry about material things, or strive to build bigger barns to store away food. Instead, my focus should be on the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be provided as well. The instruction is to seek my treasure in heaven, where thieves cannot break in and rob, for where my treasure is, there also, will be my heart.
Many pastors and churches have interpreted “focusing on the Kingdom, or heaven” as the way to receive wealth as well as embracing a prosperity gospel message. A message easy to hear. The way of Christ is simple but never easy. The Kingdom and Heaven are experienced and encountered through prayer, Communion, and a relationship with Christ. The act of seeking the eternal happens first within my heart. Jesus spoke of the need to focus on our creator God and let our creature comforts sort themselves out. I believe I know why and how this dynamic works.
If I have Christ in my heart and mind, and truly see Jesus in my neighbor, then how can I not feed the hungry and visit the sick or the imprisoned. How can there be any homeless if first I seek the Kingdom before my own needs? If I feed the birds, how much more am I charged to provide for my hungry neighbors? Jesus knows those who seek His Kingdom and follow him will house and feed the poor among us. If I find joy in feeding the birds, how much more joy will I find in feeding my neighbors?
As for receiving materials things as well as the Kingdom, perhaps in the Kingdom, having been blessed with material wealth, I now know I must use it for the sake of the least of my brothers and sisters.