Blog

Aug 22, 2022 08:00am
Be In Pursuit of the Important thing
12484 Views

Matthew 6:31-33 says, ” But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

What does that mean: Seek first then these things will be added? 

Here are two important principles: 

#1) The most important thing, the priority, is to make the most important thing the most important thing. 

What is THE important thing in your life? 

Are you intentional in your pursuit of the most important thing? Most people aren’t. More times than not we live in default mode. And default mode is almost always self-preservation. We do what comes easiest. We take the path of least resistance. We run in the lane where we have the most control. We pursue outcomes more than good habits. Inevitably that leads us to worry, anxiety, and pressure. We may have good intentions, but we lack intentionality. 

When we make the most important thing the most important thing then there is an added benefit.

#2) When we put first things first, it makes second things better. If you want to be a better spouse? Love God more. Want a better relationship with your kids and/or your family? Love God more. Want to feel fulfilled? Pursue God. Want to be a better friend? Love God.

To transition from good intentions to intentionality we need a process that begins with seeking God first.

Discipline (seek) plus direction (kingdom of God) equals destination, which leads to righteousness. Knowing your destination is important because all good processes begin with a clear end in mind. So what would putting God first in all things look like in your life? 

Ask yourself this question: In the future what do I want to be true about my life? What do I want people to see in me and about me? Direction is the greatest indicator of destination, so what direction are you headed?

To figure that out, ask yourself these assessment questions: 

If I were to maintain my current habits and routines, are they leading me in the direction of my desired destination? Discipline turns good intentions into habits and leads to the commitment that will close the gap. Seek is a present tense action that continues . . . 

 Today. Tomorrow. Continuous. Ongoing. 

What habits or changes do you need to make in your life to put you on the path to your desired destination?

Today. Tomorrow. Continuous. Ongoing.

We all have gaps to close in our lives: 

The gap between our desired destination versus our current position. The gap between the person I am versus the person I want to be. 

What gap would you like to close? A year from this month, what would you want to be true about your life?

Can it be said that you seek first the kingdom of God and the righteousness of God? 

If you do, then God’s promises are true: Your intentionality to surrender to His will, your seeking, your change of direction . . .  will close the gap between you and God and cause “these things to be added to you.”

Copyright © 2022 Lifeword.org. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from Lifeword.org