Seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness.
Scripture
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” - Matthew 6:33
Observation
This popular scripture was birthed from Jesus Himself. He was speaking to His disciples on the topic of “worry” prior to this scripture. He was giving them a commandment , not a suggestion that they shouldn’t worry about their lives and their bodies . The root meaning of this word “worry” is to “be anxious” and “to be troubled with cares”. This speaks to both existing and potential problems. Jesus was telling His disciples He didn’t want them to feel nervous, uneasy and burdened about things concerning their lives including their “basic needs”. Some Bible versions will say “take no thought” to these things. The fascinating thing about worry is that it adds absolutely nothing to your life. On the other hand, what Jesus wanted us to pay attention and care to is the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness. To seek the kingdom means to think about, to meditate and to go after the dominion of God’s rulership here on earth. Seeking after His righteousness is pursuing correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting. Jesus didn’t want us to not just care about our needs but instead to replace the care for our needs including material things with the care of God’s kingdom and righteousness. Why? Because when we have our priorities right, we lack nothing.
Application
Food for thought, when I’m lacking the basic things in my life , could that be an indication that I’m not seeking after God’s kingdom ? Could it mean I’m not living my life how He expects me to ? Could it mean I have not prioritised the things of God ? God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19) so if I’m lacking , it’s an indication to go back and answer these questions honestly and wholeheartedly. Practical ways of seeking the kingdom is to do things that advance the kingdom, ie tithing , giving to the poor, being selfless and loving your neighbour just as Christ would etc . Seeking the kingdom looks like being yielded and obedient to the instructions of the Holy Spirit continually . Why ? He is for the advancement of the kingdom. It looks like making sure whatever you find yourself doing , God is reigning and ruling . We should actively pursue for God’s rulership in every area of our lives such as our finances , our careers, our relationships etc. We should also actively pursue His “ways” and how He wants things to be done. We are here on an assignment, our home is heaven and we’re ambassadors for Christ here on earth so seeking after His kingdom to be established here on earth should be our utmost priority and concern. It’s important to find and to do the will of God whilst we’re here.
Prayer
Abba Father, thank You for Your promises on provision . Help me to seek Your kingdom and Your righteousness above all. Rearrange my priorities to advance Your kingdom. Teach me Your ways and help me to walk in Your will in Jesus name I pray amen.