Seek first His Kingdom
In the book of Matthew, chapters 5 – 7 we read “The Sermon on the Mount.” This is the longest piece of Yeshua’s teaching recorded in the New Testament. In it we find truths about the blessings associated with the human condition, teachings on prayer, moral and ethical teachings, admonishments of who we are and how we’re to act in this world, and truths about Messiah’s position in relationship to the law.
There’s a profound depth of wisdom and richness in these teachings that nourish our spirits. They bring hope, guidance and comfort when read and applied to our lives. This proves that Yeshua was who He said that He was – God in flesh.
When God talks we’re to listen, right? But do we? How many times throughout our day do we hear God’s still small voice instructing us, but we ignore Him, choosing our own way instead?
I dare say we do this more often than not, and herein lies the reason that the world doesn’t know that we’ re Messiah’s disciples, or that Yeshua is in fact, the Son of God, and Savior of the world.
In the middle of the Sermon on the Mount, Yeshua gives some very practical help to reverse this trend. By heeding this instruction we’ll know God more deeply in the truth of who Messiah is, and we’ll experience profound blessings in all areas of our lives. Do you want that?
Imagine no anxiety in your life. Imagine a life of total peace, and no fear. Can you envision having all your needs met without striving after the common things of everyday life like food, shelter and clothing? You can live effortlessly and without struggle or concern. What’s the secret? Well, there’s no secret. There’s only a discipline. And that discipline is to seek God’s Kingdom and His righteousness first in everything that you do in life.
What does it look like to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness? Well, let’s think about it practically.
When you first wake up in the morning what are you thinking about? Are you thinking about the day ahead of you? Are you thinking about what happened yesterday? Are you looking at your phone checking email, or looking at Facebook? (Those are my temptations.)
Or, are you thinking about the Kingdom and the righteousness of God.
Maybe you could do what I do, and have a picture on your wall by your bed, at eye level, that quotes Matthew 6:33. However you do it, you need to train yourself to have your first thoughts on the Kingdom and Righteousness of God. There are far too many distractions in our world that take our eyes off Yeshua. He’s our righteousness, and we need to always remind ourselves of that fact to protect ourselves from falling into the sin and danger of self righteousness. We need to put tools in place that help steer our mind’s eyes off of ourselves and onto God.
Memorizing and meditating on Scripture is a great tool to help. How about committing this Scripture to memory?:
(1 Corinthians 1:30)
OK, so you’ve gotten out of bed. When you move throughout your day, and through the myriad of tasks, how can you seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first? Well, how about backing away from the immediate task before starting it, and thanking God for the life, grace and power that He’s given you to accomplish that task? Then ask for the dominion of His Kingdom and His Righteousness to rule over the task at hand.
Throughout our day we need to continually talk with God and acknowledge His Presence in our lives. That’s another way that we seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness.
Remember Deuteronomy 6:5-9.
Seeking God’s Kingdom and righteousness first is just a byproduct of loving God. When we love God we’re constantly thinking and talking about Him, and His Word. We’re actively discipling others in God’s ways, and sharing with those who don’t yet know Him. Everything we put our hands to is done for His purposes, and He’s always at the forefront of our eyes, minds and hearts. Our focus goes from living with a focus on ourselves and the things of this world, to a Biblical, God centered focus. This changes the experiences and the outcomes of our lives dramatically, and is the real key to seeking first God’s Kingdom and Righteousness. This is where Mission Discipleship can help you. Mission Discipleship exists to help you make choices that help increase your “Kingdom/God” focus. Prayerfully ask God what role He wants you to play in obedience to His command to “go and make disciples.” Why is this so important? Because, we want you to hear “well done good and faithful servant” when you see God’s Kingdom and His Righteousness face to face.