“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew 6:33/NIV
My wife and I travelled to a Smoky Mountain resort town with various attractions. It was interesting to see what the merchants were selling as well as what seemed to catch people’s eyes. People were standing in long lines at various businesses for items they could not live without. A valued possession that would make them happier. Perhaps something that would make them feel of greater importance and self-worth. Interesting that people would wait in these long lines in sweltering temperatures close to 100 degrees for something they could not live without! I guess something of great value? Hmmm…let’s explore further.
People tend to value things because it will benefit them in some way. The benefit may be critical for that moment; however, later on, may be of no worth or importance. Recollections of myself, when I was younger, reflected valuing things of great worth for that moment but years later were no longer needed or essential. Focusing on Matthew 6:33 Jesus teaches me what is important and how I should set my priorities. The teaching that is provided leads me to shift my priorities to that which would be important to God. In doing so, my needs will be met. This sounds simple but hard for someone with humanistic values and understanding.
In this passage, prior to Jesus informing us to seek first the kingdom of God, He teaches that we should not worry about what we’ll eat, drink or wear. Jesus references the Heavenly Father feeding the birds of the air and as such, He’ll take care of those who “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.” If we repent from our sins, accept Jesus as our Lord and personal Savior and put God first we should seek to live a righteous lifestyle. The righteous lifestyle, as taught in the Bible, will assist us with seeking first the kingdom of God and putting our priorities in the correct order.
This devotional allows me to think out loud and in written word. This is also a personal challenge for me to put God and His Son Jesus Christ first while seeking to live a righteous life. This is a correct prioritization of who should be first in my life and what I should value. As I put God and Jesus first, live a pleasing and righteous lifestyle, and do the work He has placed before me to do (Ephesians 2:10), I know God will provide for me everything I need to be successful. While I value doing the work that has been placed before me to do, I hope to let my light shine before others and thus bring glory and honor to God! Amen!
Many blessings to you!
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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