Seek Ye First

I just want to say a couple of things today about one of the most profound statements of truth that has ever been spoken in this world. Not surprisingly it was spoken by Jesus, and it goes like this: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Mat. 6:33). Now Jesus was talking about our human necessities of having food and raiment when he said this, but the truth is that this spiritual formula applies to absolutely everything in this life. There is no circumstance, situation, need, or desire that is not subject to our putting top priority on seeking God’s righteousness in our hearts, and for our hearts. In fact that is the ONLY way that ANYTHING can truly work out for the very best, for the scripture plainly says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). Do you need a job that is suitable to your needs? “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Maybe you would like to have a compatible, believing wife or husband. “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Are you having financial difficulties and need an answer? “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Do you need to find a place to live that accommodates you and your family?” “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” You name it, and I assure you that is the way to make it happen. Sometimes things can take some praying, some waiting, and some doing; but when it is all said and done it still comes down to putting your top priority on having and keeping a pure heart before God, and showing forth the reality of his love and holiness in your life.

The scripture tells us, “He [God] is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6). The same Bible gives us the following blessed instruction and promise: “Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Prov. 37:4). The Hebrew translation of the word ‘delight’ in this passage includes the definition, “to make merry over.” I really like that, because I just can’t help making merry over God’s constant love and care in my life, which love and care I see in all things all of the time. When your heart is truly right with God, and you value his love dwelling purely in your heart more than anything else in your life, then and only then does the following beautiful declaration of praise ring true: “Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased” (Psm. 4:7). Everyone is happy when things go well for them in this life, but David rejoiced in the joy and gladness that is not dependent on things going favorably in one’s life. That joy is what the apostle Paul was referencing in the following passage: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philip. 4:11-13). These things can only be known by those who prefer nurturing “righteousness, and peace, and joy in the holy Ghost” in their hearts above all things in their lives (Rom. 14:17,18). And that is the only way to have all things in this life added unto us by the perfect wisdom, and love, and care of God; and to truly prosper in all of our situations, according to how God defines prospering. Amen.