[Biblemat] A) SEEKING FIRST THE KINGDOM

[J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com]

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  A very good Monday
morning to each and everyone.  May God bless you and yours.
It is good to be back at my computer after several days being 
away.  I trust that all had a good and enjoyable holiday period.
I enjoyed being with my eldest daughter and her family.  But am
happy to be back home safe and sound.  Here is an article that
recently came my way:

SEEKING FIRST THE KINGDOM

     Jesus said, "But seek ye first His kingdom and His righteo-
usness; and all these things shall be added to you" (Matt. 6:
33).

     This passage is simple and its message plain.  Its words
contain the essential characteristics of discipleship.  Le us
look closer.

     First: -- There is something of importance that must be
sought.  It is the kingdom of God and His righteousness.  The
kingdom can be defined simply as God's rule in our lives.  His
righteousness has reference to the pattern of right living that
He exhibits Himself and that He expects of His people.  Simply put, God wants 
us to live by His standards, not our
own.  Many have sought their own way in religion and in life
to their own destruction (Prov. 14:12).

     Second: -- There is an effort to be put forth.  We must seek His 
kingdom.  One does not become righteous merely
by living close to someone who is righteous.  God does not
take a man by force and make him live right.  We have the
power of choice.  We must exercise our own will and self dis-
cipline and choose right above wrong, God's way above others.  Faith without 
obedience is useless (Jas. 2:20).

     Third: -- There is a priority to observe.  "Seek first His kingdom..."  
There are a lot of important things in life, import-
ant choices we make; the career we choose, whom we choose to marry, and how 
we spend huge chunks of money 
in the purchase of homes and automobiles.  But no choice is
so significant as the priorities we observe.  As important as
family and friends are, nothing should come before the Lord
in our lives.  The truth of the matter is that, in pursuit of God's 
righteousness, man must make an honest living to provide for his own.  Further, God 
expects man to meet the
wide spectrum of needs found in his family -- the physical,
emotional, social, and spiritual needs.  But, in all of our duties
God expects us to be guided by His righteousness and be 
subject to His rule.

     Fourth: -- There is a blessing to be enjoyed.  "And all these things 
shall be added to you..."  The context of this 
verse is talking about the basic necessities of life such as
food, clothing, and shelter.  God has never unconditionally
promised riches and abundance to His people.  In fact, both
scripture and personal observation demonstrate that godly
folks often live in humble circumstances.  There are except-
ions, but modesty and moderation is the general rule.  I might
observe along with David that, "I have been young, and now
I am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Or his
descendants begging bread" (Psa. 37:25 NASB).  The promise
that God holds out to all of those who will seek Him is this:
"I will not leave you alone.  I will be there to meet the real needs of your 
life."

     The beautiful message of this verse and its context is that
God will never fail the seeking soul.  Jesus said, "Blessed are
those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall
be satisfied" (Matt. 5:6).  -------- The Jackson Drive Reporter,
Dec. 31, 2006.
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