Our key verse Matthew 6:33 is part of Jesus’ ‘Sermon on the Mount’- a sharp Scripture pointing to get our "priorities" right by "Putting God First" in our lives. Our success in life, accomplishing our goals and dreams have to be centered around God’s will for our lives. In all we do, we have to seek Him first. Anything that is not adding to our spiritual growth but hindering and affecting our relationship with God and His purpose for our life, we need to let go. These three words can summarize what Jesus said: "first things first." 

If we consciously, continuously, and consistently put first things first, it would absolutely transform our lives. The word ‘seek’ in the present tense means to "actively pursue" or "to go after" – which is a continuous process. When we seek the kingdom, we must first seek the King of the kingdom! God speaks in Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” He has made a way to seek Him and know Him- through His Son Jesus Christ; for He said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Not only are we to seek God’s kingdom, but "His righteousness" too. That is, we not only seek God's reign over us, but we seek to have God's character in us. If God’s rule is over you and me, then His righteousness will be visible in our lives. Character is always seen by its conduct. Jesus said: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Matt.5:6)

Now the Lord says that if you will seek His kingdom and His righteousness, "all these things shall be added unto you."  What "things" was the Lord referring to? – the things we need in our daily lives- food, clothing, etc..  Throughout history, Our God is Jehovah Jireh - our Provider and He shall provide all our needs! (Gen.22:14). He will never allow his children to go hungry—“The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” (Psalm 34:10)

William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, on being asked about the secret of his success and the impact that the Salvation Army made in the world, spoke with tearful eyes, "I will tell you the secret. God has all of me. There have been men with better brains, greater talents, and greater opportunities. But, from the day I got a vision for what Jesus could do with the poor of London, I made up my mind that God would have all of William Booth." General Booth’s life was submitted to the One Commander of the Salvation Army- God Himself, whose power surpasses all other power. Hence God meeting our provision as promised in Matthew 6:33 flows from the basic understanding that God is not interested in building our own small kingdoms but committed to meeting our needs that equips us to build His kingdom.

The well-being of our soul and our eternal destiny depend upon this priority of putting God "first.” 3 John 2 encourage us - “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”  Blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence (Jeremiah 17:7). May God bless us with these thoughts!

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Thought for the Day:

“Each day is God’s gift of a fresh unspoiled

opportunity to live according to His priorities.”

– Elizabeth George