Articles
Seeking First the Kingdom of God
Matthew 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
In the midst of the sermon on the mount, Jesus established several concepts about the kingdom of God. These principles reflect the attitude and the responsibilities that the Lord's disciples were to have toward the kingdom. Discipleship began by denying self. That came first. Then, it was followed by taking up the cross and following Jesus. Our verse says it this way, "seek first His kingdom..."
It seems we agree with this principle in theory, but in practice many don't illustrate it. God first is the rallying cry. Turn to God is what we say. Yet, too often, the seeking first part is rather lacking.
Why is it that when a congregation plans a special meeting, some members do not come. Worse, some planned vacations during the same time. Could it be that we never even dreamed of thinking what is going on with the congregation? Could it be that supporting and helping the kingdom grow doesn't even register on our radar? Could it be that we live by the spirit that "I will take a vacation whenever I feel like it?" Does this demonstrate seeking HIS kingdom FIRST?
Why is it that some can't get to the church building on time? Understand things happen at home. We had four kids and I know that. But some families, it's EVERY WEEK. It's EVERY service. Late. It throws the teacher off. It disrupts the teaching process. Are these same families late to work every day? Doubt it. Are they late to school every day? Doubt it. It's a kingdom thing. It's just church and it is not a high priority. Get there when they can. It seems the FIRST part isn't FIRST.
Why is it, as the context of this passage illustrates, the pursuit of life, including housing, food and clothing is allowed to shove God's kingdom to the back burner?
Why is it that concerts, ballgames and trips become a regular reason to skip the worship of God? Why is it that we shove God to the back? Why is it that if there is nothing else, then we will worship God? This is much, much more than attending church services. Putting the kingdom first, is a way of thinking. It is reflected in choices, attitudes, dress and behavior. It is illustrated in whether or not worship is a priority. It is illustrated where we put God in our lives.
Just what does first mean? This has to do with a priority as well as an order or ranking. Maybe one reason that God doesn't seem to have much of an impact in many lives is that we want God, we say we love God, we know that we need God, but not FIRST. First, is me. First, is what I want. First, is taking care of self.
What would it look like for a person to truly put the kingdom of God first in their lives?
• The day would begin with prayer. The eyes open and the heart reaches Heavenward. The person is always thinking about God. He doesn't have to guilt trip himself into praying. He does it. It's natural. He likes, wants, and needs to talk to God often.
• As a person is getting ready to go about the day, the thoughts of the kingdom would influence what choices in clothes the person put on. The kingdom would influence what music the person listened to.
• As the day progressed, the seeker of the kingdom, would think about the kingdom. He would pray for those who were needing help. He would pray for those who hadn't found God. He would look around those he interacted with and remember that he is salt and light for the Kingdom.
• The word of God would be read each day by the one seeking first the kingdom. Such a person is fascinated with the kingdom. He would want to know more about spiritual truths.
• At home, the seeker of God's kingdom would inject spiritual lessons in his daily conversations. He would talk about how things could be improved at home, in his life and in the congregation. He is always thinking about those things.
• The seeker of God's kingdom would make wise choices as to what TV shows he watched and what movies he went to. The seeker of God's kingdom wants to be right with God. When ungodly advertisements came on the TV, he would quickly switch channels.
• The seeker of God's kingdom is quick to judge himself. He recognizes his failings and apologies to God and others when he has let them down. He is slow to judge others.
• The seeker of God's kingdom will be at worship services. He loves to worship. He is active in singing, praying and connecting with the church family. Even when he travels the seeker of God's kingdom includes worshipping God in other congregations in other cities.
First, means first. First is not second. First is not almost. First is not close. First is first. In sports we know what first is. No one has to tell us. Your team is in first, or they are not. At graduation, we know what first in the class means. In music, first chair means first. Yet, somehow, when it comes to the kingdom of God, first, for some, means I'll get around to it when I can. Don't think we'd like a doctor like that. We'd spend the entire day in the waiting room. We wouldn't like a mechanic like that. Our car would be in the shop for a month. We wouldn't like a God like that. We might get forgiveness or we might not. God not only put us first, but He sent the best He had for us-Jesus Christ. It's not too much to ask us to put His cause, His will, His kingdom, His way first in our lives.
I heard about a family back during the depression, World War II period, that longed to hear a gospel preacher preach. The problem was, the church conducting the service was in another state and the family didn't have gas money. The dad, traded in some war bonds, just to get the gas money, to take the family to another state, to hear a man preach. Can you imagine?
I heard about a husband and wife who used their only vacation of the year to go overseas to help a small struggling church. It wasn't a paradise vacation. It was intense work but very rewarding. Can you imagine?
I heard about a high school football player who was the captain of his team, who walked off the field, in uniform, got in his car and drove to the church building to attend a church service. Can you imagine?
I heard of a man who every year bought hundreds of dollars of books and gave them to young preachers. Can you imagine?
Stories like these are in the hundreds. Men and women sacrificing time and money, devoting themselves to the cause of Christ. They want the kingdom to grow. They want the kingdom to win. They want to do their part. They are letting God know that He can count on them. These seekers of the kingdom are doing more than just showing up when it is convenient. They are doing things when it is most inconvenient. They spend on the kingdom rather than themselves. They give up things and time that could be spent on self, for the kingdom. They are true seekers of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Shame on some of us. We allow the first thing to stop us. If there is a conflict, self wins. If there is a difficulty, we pick the physical over the spiritual. Is it any wonder so many churches are stale and stuck? Is it any wonder why so many feel like they are not getting anything out of their spiritual life? Is it any wonder that it is so easy for some to just drop out?
It's time to quit sticking our big toe in the kingdom and trying to decide if the temperature is right. Jump in. Seek first. Get busy. Even today, on a Monday, seek first the kingdom of God.
Be that kingdom seeker. It's what God wants from you.
