Good morning, everyone. I hope that you had a great week and are enjoying your weekend. If you are like most people, it was probably a busy week. That seems to be the way life is. As I was reflecting on some passages, I kept thinking about a verse in Matthew 6. It is there that we read the following:
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33).
As I reflected on that verse this week, I just wonder how true that is in our lives. Are we truly putting Jesus first in all things? Obviously, this was of great concern to Jesus. When he started his public ministry as recorded in the Gospel of Mark, here are his first words: 14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee,proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,”he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:14-15)
The good news, also known as the Gospel, is that the Savior has come. There was now a way to be forgiven of our sins and to gain eternal life. Included in that was that Jesus ushered in the kingdom of God. For now, that means He is to rule and reign in our hearts. The expansion of His kingdom, the advancement of the Gospel, is our primary concern. Or, at least, it should be. However, that is where we often get sidetracked. We seek first our financial stability, or educational pursuits, physical fitness, recreation, our own personal pleasures, etc. Jesus teaches us that the kingdom of God comes first. As part of that, we must seek Hhis righteousness. Not only do we see this in verse 33 but also in Matthew 5: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6)
Friends, it is so easy to get caught up in the things of this world that we lose sight of what is most important. That includes even the good and worthwhile things that we do. Let’s remember that in all that we do, we should evaluate the impact that it makes for kingdom’s sake. Let us be determined to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ . May God continue to bless you and guide you in all that you pursue.
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