July 26, 2022

Matthew 6: 33 (NIV)

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

One seeks God’s kingdom by seeking his righteousness.*

I confess. Sometimes I think Jesus might have been out of touch with reality. Seeking his kingdom and his righteousness sounds like a good choice, but we still have to pursue the means to feed and clothe ourselves and our families. I can’t spend my day in prayer instead of going to work. Meditation doesn’t put a sandwich together for me or do the laundry. Bible study doesn’t keep me warm in winter. Doing good works doesn’t usually come with a paycheck.

I confess again. Sometimes I take Jesus’ words out of context. This particular verse is from the “Sermon on the Mount” collection. In this sermon, Jesus introduced the world to a whole new lifestyle. He talked about meekness and justice and mercy and charity. He commanded us not to worry and he preached about priorities. He’s not telling us to ignore the cares of life; he tells us where to put those cares on our to-do list: anywhere after seeking the kingdom. When you make a to-do list, you don’t check off the first item and think you’re done – you move on to the next task.

So put your priorities in order each day. Ask God what he wants from you today; ask him to help you accomplish it, and then move on to the next item. Don’t worry about tomorrow – just make another list:

1. Seek his kingdom. 

2. Everything else.

To seek first the kingdom of God is the fundamental choice everyone makes when they first repent and are converted. Yet every day after that, our Christian life will either reinforce that decision or deny it.*