A MATTER OF FAITH: SEEK FIRST

MATTHEW 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

More important than a new year is a new day, let’s not waste the opportunity. Jesus tells us in the book of Matthew to seek the kingdom of God first, this means that a His agenda should be our agenda.

I am not talking about reading 3-5 chapters in a book of the Bible today or praying firt thing in the morning.

MATTHEW 6:33 THE EXPANDED
·Seek first [Be concerned above all else with] God’s kingdom and ·what God wants [L- his righteousness]. Then all ·your other needs will be met as well [L- these things will be given to you].

Much has been written about the kingdom of God and much has been said.  It is not a physical place but a spiritual one that involves a lifestyle, Christians are citizens of God’s kingdom. The kingdom of God is not one of works but of trust, as citizens of His kingdom our behavior should reflect it.

Our concern is not about what people think but what He wants. Regardless as to what man says or who says it, our daily objective is: “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). The closer we get to the return of our Lord the more difficult this is.

When we live based on the world’s standards we are not trusting God. Even our family, parents included, can attempt to influence us to live against the will of God. Educators on all levels have been presenting information to students that goes against God’s word. Anti-Christ information that is being presented daily to all.

PROVERBS 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

But how do you trust God when there are so many churches presenting information that seems to be contradictory? By examining the essence of the speaker. The individual: parent, teacher, friend or church leader, is speaking from the flesh or the spirit.

GALATIANS 5:16
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Even I, from time to time, am plagued by my flesh- particularly on Social Media. Injustice angers me and I want to speak out but we are warned to not sin in our anger (Ephesians 4:26). As a born again soul I have to choose, daily, to walk in the Spirit. God’s kingdom is a spiritual kingdom thus we must allow our flesh to be subject to our spirit and not the other way around.

It is my responsibility to guard my heart (Proverbs 4:23) and in doing so I must be aware of what I hear and see. I must reject information that does not agree with God’s word no matter who is speaking.

EPHESIANS 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

NO! I do not believe people are demon possesed as some speak of. I do think we can all be influenced by anti-Christ ideology if accept false information. Satan is not omnipresent, let me say this again, Satan cannot be everywhere at the same time. There is a limited number of demons therefore they cannot be everywhere nor can they posses everyone.

Jesus said tradition make God’s word ineffective (Mark 7:13). Traditions can become a  stronghold on a church which morphs into traditions that go against the teachings of God. Spiritual strongholds must be challenged.

1 JOHN 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Does the length of a woman’s dress make her more or less Christian? Is a man in a suit and tie holier than one in jeans and a t-shirt. It is surprising as to the number of people who focus on such and churches that have dress codes.

Individual knowledge of what is written will determine when, if ever, a prayer is answered.  Yes, it is important to have a place where you can fellowship with like believers. Your faith journey begins and ends with what you know, Jesus has to be your priority.

1 CORINTHIANS 2:2
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 

— written by Marsha L F Randolph

A MATTER OF FAITH reflects the opinions and property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss weekly faith based post FOLLOW THIS BLOG and receive notifications when a new article is posted.