VOW: Seek First – Matthew 6:33

Verse of the Week

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:33 ESV

What are you seeking these days?

More stuff — cars, clothes, the latest digital device? Acceptance or fame — more likes and followers on social media? Your video to go viral? Power, position, prestige? Wealth and its pleasures and privileges? Food, water, basic essentials (toilet paper)? Experiences, travel, fitness? The possibilities are endless.

Jesus gave us a formula for obtaining the things we seek. It is quite simple, but it does require a particular focus that we often forget, or ignore. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

If our priorities are in proper order, the rest of the things will follow. In fact, if we get the first part right, our list may actually grow smaller as our focus shifts upward to God and outward to our neighbor, instead of inward and toward the things the world says we should be seeking.

At first glance, the formula looks simple. But is it really? What does it look like to seek the Kingdom first? Isn’t that sort of thing for nuns, monks, and missionaries? Nope. We don’t get off the hook that easily.

Jesus taught that the entire Law and Prophets hang on just two commandments.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. …Love your neighbor as yourself.

Mark 12:30-31 NET

When we put God and His Kingdom first, He takes care of the rest!

Live it out this week

Make loving God your first priority this week. You can do that by reading your Bible daily and spending time pondering what you read. Ask God to show you how to practice what you learned. Spend time with Him in prayer. Sing or listen to songs of worship and praise. Talk about Him with others.

Find ways to love your neighbor. No need for a big production. Think about how you want to be treated, then do that. A smile or kind word at the right time can do wonders.

The point is to do what God asks you to do. Begin with the first small step.

Prayer

Father, I want to grow my love for you and for my neighbor this week. Show me how to be your feet and hands to those around me. I trust you with the rest.

In Jesus’s name, Amen.

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Feature Image by Eduardo Davad from Pixabay