The Sermon on the Mount is the very first teaching Jesus gave. In it, He strongly cautions us not to worry about the basic needs of life, our provision, food, body and clothing. Instead, He reaches out to our heart and declares that our Heavenly Father, who loves us, knows our needs. He relates how our Heavenly Father places great value on our life. So, He emphatically encourages us to trust God for these things. He frames it like this:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
RELEVANCE
Consider the Greek word used for seek, zeteo. It means to desire or to inquire. More importantly, though, it conveys God’s concept of setting your whole motivation and will on pursuing God and the reality of His kingdom, or sovereignty, ultimate authority, and righteous governance. It conveys a sense of trusting Him for everything that pertains to our life. This trust is based on the reality that He truly loves us. He loves us in ways greater than we can imagine. We need to grow in firmly believing this.
The reality is, our Heavenly Father truly knows us. We are created in His image and likeness. He knows our inner needs and desires. He created us for real purpose. He values us and the vitality of our life. He, therefore, wired us to seek Him for all our needs and find His solutions for everything pertaining to our life. Hear what the prophets say.
“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, says the Lord…” (Jeremiah 29:11-14)
In seeking God, we, therefore, give ourselves wholly to our powerlessness and let God be God in our life. We give up our carnal desires and exchange our thoughts for God’s truths and higher thoughts. We give up control and yield or defer to the Holy Spirit, God’s real presence dwelling in us. We seek Him for His will and ways and trust in His Word. We allow God to do what only He can do—for our good and His glory. Truly, our Heavenly Father knows best. And we want His best.
This brings us to seek Him and the realities of His kingdom from a passion for Him. It creates in us a sense of urgency and intensity. It, therefore, brings us to prioritize His purposes, His ways and means. And beyond mere faith in God, it brings us to truly trust God. Our pursuits, therefore, bring us to actions that trust in God’s fulfillment. So, we surrender our will and ways to God’s will and higher ways. We trust in the One who says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
In addition, as we grow in believing this and trusting God more, His character is fashioned in greater ways in us. This is how He brings us through His glorious transformation process. It works for our good and His glory. So, we reflect greater measures of His goodness. We get to know God in greater ways and walk more in His goodness and love in greater ways.
Truly, we find greater fulfillment in life—in Him. Our realities, perspectives, interests and desires shift. His kingdom becomes more real to us and we find our joy in participating in it.
REFLECT – RELATE – RESPOND
As you reflect on the kingdom becoming more real in your life, what possibilities come to mind? What desires do you see changing? Be encouraged to embrace and pray in the first-person Paul’s apostolic prayers. They can help you immerse yourself in the mindset of Christ and pray God’s realities into your life in a powerful way.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Ephesians 1:17-21; Ephesians 3:14-21; Philippians 1: 9-11; Colossians 1:9-23; Romans 15:5-6; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13