“But Seek Ye First the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33, AKJV).
This is a familiar Scripture we have all quoted. We agree with things being added to us – spiritual, physical and material things. But the promise of “things” is conditional to us seeking two things: the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
So, what are you seeking today?
Well, I have some good news! The answers are already given to us by Jesus. In Luke 13:18-21, Jesus tells us what the Kingdom of God is like and to what we can compare it. It is like a mustard seed, Jesus says, planted in a garden that grows into a large tree. The mustard seed is the smallest seed planted that, upon fermentation, grows into a plant eight-twelve feet tall so birds can find lodging in its branches.
The Kingdom of God is like leaven (or yeast, as we know it), Jesus says, that was put in meal until all of it was leavened. When leaven is put into the dough, its progress cannot be halted.
The seed brings external growth; the yeast brings internal growth.
So, do we do nothing in the Kingdom of God?
We can cultivate the atmosphere:
- Both need moisture to live. Yeast is mixed with water… Plants need water to live. Ephesians 5:26 says we are cleansed with the washing of water by the Word. We must stay in the Word to get the moisture needed to grow.
- Both need heat to grow. We must position ourselves with people that are on “fire.” The atmosphere is important to our growth.
- Both need to be protected to grow. We must guard our heart from anything that would rob us of our progress and growth.
The Kingdom of Heaven came to earth in Jesus.
It is near to us, upon us and in our life. The Kingdom of God begins inside us – a small, hidden but unstoppable force in our life. We must seek to cultivate the Kingdom of God in our life, so we can grow and mature as a Christian.
The second answer Jesus gives us is to seek His righteousness. Righteousness is nothing more than getting into a right standing with God. Second Corinthians 5:21 tells us Jesus became sin for us, so we can become the righteousness of God in Him.
I believe seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness goes hand-in-hand. If we truly seek to grow and mature, we will get in right standing with God by dealing with the sin in our life. “All these things being added to us” aren’t necessarily material or monetary. Sometimes, spiritual blessings in our life are the greatest things we can receive.
… Seek Ye First… but seek God’s best, and you will be blessed!
Rev. Andrew Mitrik
Dean, Greater Works Bible School