Talking about money makes us nervous because while we want it to be permanent, it is not. Money is a sign of faith, because how we think about money says something about what we trust and find important. Rather than something to idolize or reject, Jesus teaches us that money is a gift from God, and the easiest and most powerful sign if we are living life in a way that reflects our faith.

We know we need God’s grace—so what do we do? Jesus tells us to “Seek first.” We do this with God by engaging in the practices that allow God to have the biggest impact on our lives. Through the routine habits of daily faith, God is trying to reach us and give us transforming grace, care and love, to do something profound and life-changing.

The world wants to hand out participation trophies for life. But acknowledging our brokenness and limitations isn’t a downer; it is the starting place of wisdom. Sin is a reality—as is the grace that God offers to heal us.

Even as God offers us unlimited grace and love, God calls us to a life of perfection. This is not an unattainable goal, either but something we can achieve when we follow God’s moral laws and allow the Holy Spirit to guide and shape our lives.