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.         

Be Encouraged

Encouragement plays such a big part in the walk of one trying to follow Christ.  In fact, it’s absolutely essential.  Throughout the Bible, we ourselves are not only encouraged by God’s word, but charged to encourage one another as well (Tit 2:15; Isa 1:17; Eph 6:22; Col 4:8).  The writer (who we believe to be Paul) of Hebrews was divinely inspired by God to pen these words, ‘…(E)ncourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness’ (3:13).  Here, Today is contrasted with the Day (of ultimate judgment), so we’re presented with many opportunities to admonish (which involves warning and urging, in addition to encouraging) one another in everyday that proceeds our day of judgment.  For those who trust in the Lord, the forthcoming Day is not a looming threat, but an encouragement to, not only find joy in working for the Lord, but to admonish others to share in that joy as well.  For the Christian, there is no suffered loss, whether it’s Today or the Day (Php 1:20-26).  To live is Christ and to die is gain (Php 1:21).  How’s that for encouragement?  If you’re on God’s side you win, no matter what!

There is no real encouragement outside of God’s word (2 Ti 4:2).  Any other words spoken are just flowery and deceptive, with no basis, or promise.  Be careful not to accept negative ‘encouragement’, which we’re all susceptible to (Ps 64:5).  That is why we’re encouraged to regularly meet with those who are strengthening themselves in God’s word (Heb 10:25).  Iron sharpens iron, indeed (Pr 27:17)! 

It’s not only for the prophet, the gifted, or the seemingly strong to encourage (Ac 15:32; Ro 12:8; 15:1).  We can all be an encouragement, at least in prayer.  Remember, Job in his affliction had the heart to pray for his friends (who were supposed to be an encouragement to him), and as a result of his act of faith, he was then prospered (Job 42:10)!  It’s not only for the benefit of others that we should encourage.

God is our source for all things.  Through Jesus Christ himself and God our Father we have eternal encouragement (2 Th 2:16-17).  And if -and when- we become weak, God has a ready ear to listen to our desires and our cries (Ps 10:17).  With that thought in mind, I want to encourage you to go to Him who’s not only ready to hear you, but has all the power in heaven and earth to positively affect your circumstance.