But Seek First the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness

What does it mean to seek the Kingdom of God? Simply put, it means submitting your total allegiance to the Lord; it means making Him the focus of your life, it means serving and obeying only Him. It means denying yourself and submitting to the process of sanctification, whereby you progressively become more and more like your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The enemy is constantly trying to get you to switch your allegiance. Nothing would give him more pleasure than if you were to start glorifying things other than the Lord. It could be people, possessions, your career, whatever. But as Christians, we must resist the temptation to yield to a sinful lifestyle. In order to stay right with the Lord and receive His abundant blessings, we must, as the Apostle Paul says, "deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age." (Titus 2:12).

The Lord promises us that if we seek first the Kingdom of God, all of our basic needs will be met (Matthew 6:33,34). But more importantly, if we do so we are "storing up treasures in heaven," where all the suffering and pain we experience in this earthly life will be seen, as Mother Theresa once put it, "to be no more serious than one night in an inconvenient hotel."

One of the most powerful ways to commune with the Lord and receive His blessings is to "get into the Word and get the Word into you." It is essential, in fact. I love the following quote concerning the loveliness of the Bible. May it inspire you to grow in the Lord!

The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

CHRIST is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its contents.