“But seek first his kingdom.”
Wouldn’t it be great to have a simple blueprint to eliminate worry and anxiety?
If we had access to the blueprint, would we follow the design?
At the heart of the Sermon on the Mount, recorded by Matthew in chapters five through seven, Jesus gives us a model to live by with epic results. The type of results that everyone desires.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33, NIV)
Jesus covered many topics in his Sermon on the Mount, like what being a disciple looked like, relationship issues, prayer, and money. Matthew 6:33 is a famous verse used to pattern one’s life after, but the verse is tucked in the conclusion of Jesus’ lengthy teaching about money.
“31 So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6: 31-33, NLT)
Whether you have a lot or have little, money brings burdens. Jesus knew how money would affect us, and He did not want His followers to be weighed down or lured by the temptation of wealth. His solution was for His followers to seek His kingdom and righteousness first.
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to seek, desire, and aim for God’s kingdom? Seeking God’s kingdom is the first step in the blueprint Jesus gave us to avoid worry.
How Do We Seek God’s Kingdom First?
A follower of Christ has given allegiance to their Savior and King. They will consider first what Christ would want, what would help Christ build His kingdom.
As we go along our day, making decisions about using our money, time, and abilities or gifts, we will inquire of the King to gain direction on what is best for His kingdom.
Consider these questions:
- If I spend my money this way, will I be building God’s kingdom? How do You, God, want me to spend the money You have entrusted me with?
- If I spend my time in this way, will I be building God’s kingdom? How do You, God, want me to utilize my time?
- If I use my abilities and gifts in this way, will I be building God’s kingdom? How do You, God, want me to use the abilities and gifts You have given me?
- If I invest in this relationship, will I be building God’s kingdom? Who do You want me to invest in and spend time with?
- Who or what benefits if I… and how will God’s kingdom be impacted?
“33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34, NIV)
Adopting a mindset that puts God’s kingdom above everything else is not only crucial but also life-changing. Having a kingdom mindset will help us unlock the benefits of a life without worry.
I pray the Holy Spirit will make what seeking God’s kingdom first very clear to you. May He give you the courage to live out, pursuing His kingdom first. As you aim for God’s kingdom and righteousness, may any and all worry melt away. In Jesus’ name, so be it.
Meditate: God, help me build Your kingdom.
Reflect: Do I want to impact God’s kingdom? What area(s) of money, time, abilities, or gifts need to be shifted toward building God’s kingdom? How does seeking God’s kingdom help with our worries? What is one thing you can begin doing to pursue God’s kingdom more wholeheartedly?
Deeper: Matthew 6: 19-34; Matthew 13: 24-35; Psalm 27
(“First Things First” is a three-part series working through life’s formula found in Matthew 6:33. The following two blogs will cover parts two and three.)
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