First things FIRST

But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

                                                                                                         Matthew 6:33, AMP



It would be unwise to start building a house from the roof. The foundation of the building is the most basic and important aspect of the building process. Our theme text says we should seek FIRST God's Kingdom and His righteousness. That word 'seek' has been put in simple terms in the Amplified Bible as 'aim at and strive after'. In other words, this seeking is a determined, purposeful and eternal pursuit that you go after all the days of your life. It demands energy; it demands exertion of one's resources and your very life. God says this venture, of seeking His Kingdom, is supposed to be your number One PRIORITY. Economists have something called the scale of preference; it shows you the rankings of your needs in order of the most important being at the top. On your scale of preference, the Kingdom of God should be on top of the list. Hallelujah!

The question is: How do you seek the Kingdom of God? Colossians 3:1,2 says,'If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.' Remember that the Kingdom of God is your home. This is because when you were born again, you were born into that Kingdom (Colossians 1:12-13). The Word of God is the Seed that gave birth to you. That same Seed (the Gospel) is in you today. God handed it to you so that you can advance His Kingdom. So when you are commanded to seek the Kingdom, what He means is for you to spread out the Kingdom all around you.

Always remember, Kingdom FIRST!

One way to do that is to recognise that you are not alone. The Holy Spirit is in you to empower you to seek the Kingdom. Next, identify those resources, talents and gifts that God has endowed you with to advance the Kingdom. Always remember that there is no greater joy for God than for Him to see the salvation of one who was lost. He has equipped you for this divine mandate and you should take advantage of it by doing it.

Seeking the Kingdom first means your day should be ordered by the Lord. What are those things on your to-do list? Your quiet time should be a major priority in your lifetime. Put Jesus at the centre of your daily activities. Learn to make Him your number one priority. All that we do is worthless before God if it does not ultimately result in the furtherance of the Gospel. That is what possesses eternal value. Before you make decisions, learn to put the Kingdom of God first! It's so important to think through the situation and discover how God will be glorified. The Bible says, 'Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand.' (Proverbs 19:21)

In 2015, make first things FIRST! The Kingdom of God should be your first priority no matter what you find yourself doing.