“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
We tend not to think in “Kingdom” terms very often, yet it was this topic that Jesus taught most about during his earthly ministry. You may have heard it said that there is an “already-but-not-yet” quality about God’s Kingdom. It has been “already” ushered in through the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus and continues to spread through the Holy Spirit operating through the lives of Jesus-followers everywhere! At the same time, God’s future Kingdom will be fully realized when Christ returns. This is the, “not yet” aspect of the Kingdom. So now we have the awesome privilege and exhilarating call upon our lives to be God’s Kingdom-expanders! We bring the truth of His rule, reign, and redemption into all corners of society.
So, how are you “seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness” in this season of your life? What holds you back at times? It may be that there are alternative kingdoms that have crept into your life and now vie for your time and attention. Jesus’ words are so penetrating. He would say to us, “Seek God first. Honor Him above all. Live for His righteousness. This is your first order of business.”
The shrouding of the kingdom of heaven in our minds is very often produced by committing ourselves to alternative kingdoms.
Ask the Lord to show you which false kingdoms may be shrouding the Kingdom of heaven in your own heart and mind. Is it the kingdom of security? Or perhaps the kingdom of social acceptability or the kingdom of bitterness and regret? Let’s commit together to seek HIS life-giving Kingdom above all else. Stop and courageously pray through the following Scripture…
“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” – Psalm 139:23-24 NLT
For His Kingdom,
Dale
dale@daleebel.org