In Philippians 4:11-13 the apostle Paul says, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Paul’s point is that outward circumstances, our health, wealth, social status, or political power are of very little importance compared to our spiritual condition. In 1 Corinthians 7:19-22 Paul wrote, “Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. 20 Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave.” It makes no difference to God if we are Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, black or white, male or female. We are all of equal worth to God. It is difficult for us to keep in mind the fact that our outward circumstances are of little importance when compared with our spiritual condition. The problem is that we have no choice but to spend a certain amount of our time and attention on worldly things. We must be careful to tend to worldly matters as we must, but never let them push the spiritual things from our hearts. As Jesus said in Luke 8:14, “Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.” In Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus tells us to keep our priorities in line. He says don’t worry about things we don’t control, and pursue those things that are of primary importance. “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:31-34).