Seek First The Kingdom Of God

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (1)

"While Jesus was opening to them the treasures of heaven, the question uppermost in many minds was, How will a connection with Him advance our prospects in the world? Jesus shows that in making the things of the world their supreme anxiety they were like the heathen nations about them, living as if there were no God, whose tender care is over His creatures.

" 'For all these things,' said Jesus, 'the nations of the world seek after.' (2) 'Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.' (3) I have come to open to you the kingdom of love and righteousness and peace. Open your hearts to receive this kingdom, and make its service your highest interest. Though it is a spiritual kingdom, fear not that your needs for this life will be uncared for. If you give yourself to God's service, He who has all power in heaven and earth will provide for your needs.

"Jesus does not release us from the necessity of effort, but He teaches that we are to make Him first and last and best in everything. We are to engage in no business, follow no pursuit, seek no pleasure, that would hinder the outworking of His righteousness in our character and life. Whatever we do is to be done heartily, as unto the Lord.

"Jesus, while He dwelt on earth, dignified life in all its details by keeping before men the glory of God, and by subordinating everything to the will of His Father. If we follow His example, His assurance to us is that all things needful in this life 'shall be added.' Poverty or wealth, sickness or health, simplicity or wisdom--all are provided for in the promise of His grace.

"God's everlasting arm encircles the soul that turns to Him for aid, however feeble that soul may be... The city of God will open its golden gates to receive him who learned while on earth to lean on God for guidance and wisdom, for comfort and hope, amid loss and affliction. The songs of the angels will welcome him there, and for him the tree of life shall yield its fruit. 'The Mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, says the Lord that has mercy on you.' " (4) (5)

1. Matthew 6:33.
2. Luke 12:30.
3. Matthew 6:32, 33.
4. Isaiah 54:10.
5. Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessing, pp., 98-100.