But Seek First His Kingdom

I was trying to gain an understanding of the meaning of Matthew 6:33 apart from (or maybe including) other interpretations of it, as is the case for me with a lot of scripture, especially well-known verses.  My issue is with the common interpretation of this verse that has resulted in the importance of a religious practice that has seemingly taken precedence over the Word itself. 

Verse 33 and 34 of Matthew six is a conclusion of the previous eight verses spoken by Jesus, so in order to gain an understanding; we have to include them as well.  Jesus explains that worrying is futile -even about essential things, such as food and clothing.  And Jesus concludes that the needs of those who seek God before seeking these things will be met.  Jesus positions ‘things’ as secondary after the primary God, and the extension of God:  His kingdom and righteousness. 

seek- [trans. v.] 1. to resort; go to 2. search; look for 3. to try to discover; ask for: request 4. to try to acquire or gain (m-w.com).

first- [adj.] proceeding all others in time, order, or importance; earliest (m-w.com).

Concerning God’s kingdom, Jesus has said that God’s kingdom dwells within the individual believer (Lk 17:21).  The NIV study Bible commentary on Matthew 6:10 (‘The Lord’s Prayer’) explains that to ‘come’ isn’t in the sense of God’s kingdom not existing, because it’s already here (see Lk 17:21).  But it means to ‘come’ more and more completely until it’s full and final consummation.  God’s kingdom is birthed within the believer after they believe and confess (Ro 10:9).  And it is revealed more and more through the continued maturation of the working out of their salvation (Php 2:12-13). God’s kingdom is defined as the reign of God that is brought about through Jesus Christ –i.e. the establishment of God’s rule in the hearts and lives of his people, the overcoming of all the forces of evil, the removal from the world of all consequences of sin –including death and all that diminishes life- and a creation of a new order of righteousness and peace (NIV study Bible note on Mt 3:2).  

Many people insist that this means we must pray in the morning.  And I’m not saying that this interpretation and practice is wrong.  What I’m saying is that an understanding of Mt 6:33 isn’t limited by this interpretation.  Just as the four gospels give four different takes on the same life and events, it’s also possible for us to see things differently and all still be correct.  Based on the previous definitions and scripture seeking God first can be expressed in various ways in the life of a Christian (studying God’s word in the morning, praying over a situation before acting on it, seeking the wise counsel of God’s word before turning to anyone or anything else, etc.).  There are many instances in the Bible where the Lord speaks very plainly (Ex 20:1-17; Mal 2:16; 2Co 6:14-18), and I think that if this was as simple as merely praying in the morning, Jesus would just said, Pray in the morning.    

It’s always good for people to make God’s Word personal, seek revelation on it, and apply it to their lives.  However when, in pride, we attempt to validate our interpretation or understanding by presenting them as gospel, we get into a dangerous way of thinking called legalism, which will prevent God’s us from gaining a true relationship with him, as evidenced by the fault-finding Pharisees and Sadducees in the New Testament.  It’s always important to keep things in proper perspective.  And as Jesus said, all ‘things’ (to include our ideas, interpretations, and religious practices) have their proper place after God’s way, his kingdom and righteousness.         

How to Get Promoted

I believe the attitude we have toward work determines our productivity, happiness, and whether or not we’ll be promoted.  A woman at my job once groaned, asking me something to the effect of, ‘Do I have to be here?’ when arriving to work one morning, and my answer was, ‘No, there are plenty of people just hoping you decide not to show up for work today.’  Judging by her response, I suppose she was disappointed I didn’t accept the invitation to her complaint session, but I didn’t want any of ‘that’ (negativity) on me.  I was trying to maintain a positive attitude toward work myself.

Whatever our jobs are, we’re to work at it with all of our hearts, as working for the Lord, not men (Col 3:23).  I often consider myself as being employed by God, as opposed to whoever might be signing my check (which isn’t to say I don’t respect them, but I know who my source is).  We’re encouraged to work diligently, coming from the Latin word dlilgere, which means to prize, love, esteem highly (1 Ti 4:15; Heb 6:11; 2 Th 3:6-15).  So in other words, our work is to be done in love, with a desire to please God being our focus.  Our attitudes toward all of our work then (whether it is considered “the Lord’s work”, in a traditional sense, or not) has spiritual implications, and can result in certain rewards (Pr 10:4; 12:24; 13:4; 21:5).

Obvious benefits to working diligently are new opportunities, or promotions.  There are so many people in the Bible who were recognized while working.  Moses was tending his father-in-law’s flock when the Lord called him from a burning bush and commissioned him for a great work (Ex 3).  Ruth was provided with protection and greater profit because of her work (Ruth 2; see also God’s intended purpose for Eve in Ge 2:18, and the description of ‘The Wife of Noble Character’ in Pr 31:10-31).  By the Lord’s direction, Jesse’s youngest boy David had to be pulled from tending the sheep in order to be anointed by Samuel, and would later be crowned king (1 Sam 16:6-13; 2 Sam 5:4; Ps 78:70).  And Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James and John to be his disciples as they were in the act of preparing and casting fishing nets (Mt 4:18-22). And so on.

But seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first, and the things will come later (Mt 6:33).  He must receive his honor first, because it’s the Lord who raises the poor and seats them with princes (Ps 113:7-8; Dan 3:30), who lifts up those who humble themselves before him (Jas 4:10), who honors those who honor him (1 Sam 2:30), who not only gives wealth and possessions, but enables a person to enjoy them, and accept their lot, and be happy with their work (Ecc 5:18-20), and it’s God who enables us to earn the respect of one who works with what they have (1 Th 4:11-12).  There’s dignity in finding work.

Learning to Flee

It’s good to see when you’re maturing spiritually.  And I’ve noticed that I’m more likely to flee from sin than I was before, not that I was so eager to do wrong.  But I do know that I’m abiding in the Word more, and that my walk is being affected.  I’m becoming more sensitive to sin, and as a result take more measures to avoid situations where I know I’m likely to fall into it.

The Bible is very clear in telling us to flee, or run, from sin (the love of money, false doctrine, sexual immorality, idolatry, and generally speaking, evil desires [1 Cor. 6:18; 10:14; 1 Tim. 6:3-11; 2 Tim 2:22]).  Don’t walk, swagger, or waddle, but RUN!  Christ spoke of the seriousness of the consequences that result from not running from Satan’s temptations, saying, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” (John 10:10).

But we can be encouraged knowing that we aren’t only to flee from potential danger, but to flee to assured safety in God’s word.  We’re told to ‘pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart’ (2 Tim. 2:22).  Look at that! We have company in this walk too!  And in John 10:10 Christ tells of the desires of the Accuser, but continues, “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”. 

God is denying us nothing but death, theft and destruction.  He is allowing us the opportunity to have LIFE!