SEEK HIM FIRST

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus gives a clear command:
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you."

Pastor John loves this verse and weaves it into his messages often. Given the state of our world, I cannot help but reflect on what it truly means to seek God's kingdom first in my own life.

It is not just about personal faith. It is about how I live, how I treat others, and what I choose to prioritize.

This verse does not tell us to seek political power first, nor does it tell us to seek security, wealth, or the dominance of our own opinions.

It calls us to seek God's kingdom, a kingdom defined by love, justice, mercy, and grace. It calls us to center Christ in our hearts, ensuring that nothing else takes His place.

Yet, time and time again, we see people elevating the things of this world to a level they were never meant to reach. Presently, many place unwavering trust in human leaders, overlooking their imperfections and aligning with them more than with Christ's teachings.

This is a dangerous position because when we elevate things of this world above accountability, we distance ourselves from the truth.

The first commandment is clear: "You shall have no other gods before Me."

The Bible does not call us to blind allegiance to anything this world has to offer. It calls us to faithfulness in Christ and care for our neighbors, especially the marginalized, the poor, and the oppressed. It calls us to live with integrity, pursue justice, and be peacemakers.

The kingdom of God is not built through worldly dominance, wealth, or control. It is built through love, compassion, and a commitment to lifting those the world casts aside.

Leaders will fail, governments will crumble, but the kingdom of God is eternal. If our hope is in anything else, we will be disappointed.

Jesus did not pursue worldly power, and He reminded His followers that His kingdom is not of this world. He called us to love sacrificially, to welcome the stranger, to feed the hungry, and to heal the broken.

It is time to step back and ask: Where is my heart indeed focused? Do I seek Christ first? Or have I allowed something else, like politics, power, or security, to take His place?

If we are not careful, we may find ourselves worshiping an idol we never meant to serve. But our calling remains the same: We must seek first the kingdom of God.

That means living out the love of Christ in our words, our actions, and our priorities. Nothing and no one else comes before Him.

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