Seek First the Kingdom of God
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you.
- Matthew 6:33
This verse is taken from the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus was teaching concerning care and anxiety. He encouraged His hearers to consider examples with which they were all familiar. The birds of the air and the lilies of the field don’t do the familiar tasks of sowing or reaping. They don’t work in the sense that we think of it, nor do they worry. Yet God, their Heavenly Father (and ours) gives them exactly what they need. In this same portion of text, Jesus said, “…the Gentiles seek after these things.” The very nature of the world we live in is to be consumed with today’s wants and desires while neglecting things that have eternal value. If it was true then, how much more is it true today?
Jesus said that the world focuses all their attention and efforts on accumulating worldly wealth and notoriety. But he pointed out a better way of living. As believers, our task is not to seek to hoard material possessions or pile up worldly wealth. Our task is to trust God, and to follow Him. The reason this is so difficult for some is because it will inevitably require some uncomfortable introspection.
Here are some questions I want to challenge you to ask yourself. Is your declaration of love for Christ and His church matched by a passionate pursuit of His calling and purpose? Are you able to say, with integrity before God and man, “I surrender all?” These are important questions because as I have often said, you can’t have His life and hold on to yours at the same time.
I want to encourage you to pursue Christ’s kingdom and His purpose. Fulfill your God-given destiny by seeking first His kingdom. It is by doing so with absolute abandon that we avail ourselves to God’s abundant provision and blessing. Jesus said that if you would do so, “…all these things shall be given to you.” What things? These things include anything you need in this lifetime, including freedom, health, peace, financial provision, and victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. Seek God’s kingdom first, so that you can enjoy His abundant benefits that are available to all true kingdom seekers.
Lord, grant me steadfast courage as I go through this day. When I am tempted to give up, help me to keep going. Grant me a joyful spirit when things don't go my way. And give me the courage to do whatever needs to be done. Amen.
Further Reading
- Colossians 3:1–2
- 1 Corinthians 13
- Proverbs 10:9
