We must work, plan, study, build, desire good things in life, and work hard in our endeavours. But none of these things must ever push God to the corner.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Matthew 6:33, KJV
Jesus had been teaching His disciples not to be ruled by anxiety over food, drink, clothing, and tomorrow. He reminded them that the Father feeds the birds and clothes the lilies, so His children should trust Him even more.
The first pursuit of a believer should not be food, money, success, promotion, comfort, or earthly security. These things are not evil, but they must not come first. God must be the chief desire, chief guide, and chief authority in the life of a believer.
To seek God first means we desire His rule in our lives. It means we learn to ask, “What does God want?” before asking, “What do I want?”
We must not seek only God’s blessings without seeking a life that pleases Him. Some people want God’s provision, but not His holiness. They want His help, but not His rule. They want His hand, but not His face.
Many people spend their lives seeking money, promotion, success, and security while putting God aside. But Jesus calls the believer to live differently.
This does not mean Jesus is encouraging laziness. He is not saying, “Do nothing, and God will provide.” He is teaching us to live with the right priority. A man who seeks God first will still work hard, plan wisely, and do what is required of him, but he does these things with God at the centre, not at the edge.
Daniel is a good example. The Bible says an excellent spirit was in him. His walk with God did not make him careless. It made him faithful, disciplined, and excellent.
So here is the rule:
Rule No. 1: Seek God first.
Rule No. 2: Remember Rule No. 1.
When God becomes first, everything else finds its proper place.
You must learn to put God before worry, before ambition, before money, before people’s approval, and before personal plans.
God does not want the leftover part of your life. He wants the first place.
Reflection Question
- Is God truly first in my desires, decisions, plans, time, and daily life?
Prayer
Father, help me to seek You first in every area of my life. Deliver me from putting my needs, plans, ambitions, and worries before You. Teach me to desire Your kingdom and Your righteousness above everything else. Let my work, plans, studies, and desires be surrendered to You. Help me to trust that You know what I need and that You are faithful to care for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Further Reading
Colossians 3:1-17
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