Seek First the Kingdom of God

seek firstMatthew 6:30, 33 is a familiar passage quoted often. “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things (your earthly needs) will come unto you.”

I remember a time when a friend lost her contact lens on the pavement. She and I got on our hands and knees looking. Six other people came to help “look” but nobody asked what we were looking for. After she found it and we rejoiced, the others asked, “What were we looking for?”

Too often we assume we know what seeking the kingdom means. First, the kingdom is a lifestyle system wherein God reigns in our lives and circumstances. Second, do we realize seeking requires some work on our part? Exactly what is involved in seeking the kingdom of God? This is not a guessing game. We can get instructions from the beginning of the chapter 6.

  1. Do acts of righteousness not for show. Repent in private with God. No advertising of your good works. Don’t tell everyone how you do all the shopping for your mother-in-law, or boast how you rescued the dog.
  2. Give to the needy quietly, in secret. That could be paying someone’s utility bill, donate to a charity that helps the needy, or give a struggling waitress a big gratuity. You can give time and talent too. Help someone get to the doctor, help them understand banking, help them write a letter. Needy does not always mean money.
  3. Pray privately. When there are time to pray openly, keep it short and to the point. No babbling about the situation. Pray the Word. His angels are waiting to perform His Word not your complaining.
  4. Forgive! Anyone, and anything that offends you. Do not carry offense.
  5. Fast in secret. Look good, smile, and don’t advertise your fasting.
  6. Lay up treasure in heaven. Do things of eternal value. Anything that allows people to see God or gives them a touch of Jesus is a treasure in heaven. Kind words, do a favor, show favor, and forgive, are as important as leading someone in the conversion prayer.
  7. See things through the perspective of light. Speak hope, not gloom and doom.
  8. Serve only God. Know who you are serving in whatever you do. Do not assume you know. You can be serving self, money, promotion, family, job, or God.

All these actions will keep us so busy, we will not have time to worry about provision!

If we are actively engaged the above lifestyle, God’s provision will be released to us. This lifestyle creates a channel that makes it possible for the blessings to flow. Seeking the Kingdom is not just standing still hoping something will fall from the sky. Seeking the Kingdom requires certain active participation. It’s all found in Matthew 6.