Let Me Build My Kingdom First, Part 2

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33) It seems like such a simple concept, which is probably why most of us do not give it a lot of thought. After all, does that not just mean to put God first when we make our decisions? In some sense perhaps it does. We do have to decide what we are going to do. However, if you read my last few sentences carefully, you noticed the phrase, "we make our decisions."  In order to do that properly we would have to understand the entire plan of God for our lives. How would that even be possible? In fact, we are not to be making our decisions. If you have had as many of your decisions go wrong as I have you may have come to realize there is a lot of responsibility in doing so. Have you ever thought, "I just wish someone else would tell me what to do?" If that is you, I have some great news for you!

So what does it mean to seek God's kingdom first? Simply put, it means that His business is more important than our business. Jesus said He only did what He saw the Father doing. (John 5:19) Jesus understood that He had to put God's kingdom above and before anything else--including Himself and His desires. He was God in human flesh. He came to be our example of how to live and by extension, how to seek the kingdom of God first. We cannot do any less if we expect to see God's kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)

Possibly the best example we see in the Bible, outside Jesus Himself, of seeking the kingdom of God first is recorded in the Old Testament. It is an excellent example of the rewards of putting God's business above one's own business. In 1 Kings 3, we have a record of a conversation between God and King Solomon. You can read the account in 1 Kings 3:5-14 if you need the refresher, but space does not allow us to reprint the whole passage here.

God appeared to Solomon in a dream. Do not let that be a problem to you. Remember, the Holy Spirit had very limited ministry during that period of history. God told Solomon to ask Him for whatever he wanted. Whatever he wanted? Read it for yourself. There are no limits in God's instruction. God almost seemed surprised--and definitely pleased--when Solomon asked for an understanding heart and discernment to judge the people rather than asking anything for himself. God said he gave Solomon what he asked and because he had not asked for anything for himself, He also gave him riches and honor. In fact, the passage is very clear that God made Solomon the wisest, most discerning, and the wealthiest man in the world. Solomon put God's business first and everything else he could have wanted was added to him as well. If it worked in the Old Testament, it will work for us now even better. So how do we do that?

I am coming to understand how God wants me to put His kingdom first. First, He wants me to ask Him what I should be doing before I make decisions. We are not going to bother God by asking what His will is in any given situation. Secondly, it means listening for the direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit all the time. These are things we should be doing intentionally, but often sort of back into. Even when we get it wrong--or do not get it at all--God causes all things to work together for our good. (Romans 8:28) I got a little lesson about that just hours before I sat down to write this. I was walking to the store. About a block from home, I had to turn back. Trust me. I had to, but it would be in bad taste to tell you why. When I finished at home the thought came that I was delayed for a reason. When I got to the store, a friend I have seen only a couple times in the past several years was there. He had forgotten his wallet and needed $1.00. I was able to give him one. We also exchanged some information that might be important. Had I not been delayed, I would not have seen him.

The things above are a few of the things I have come to understand about putting God's kingdom first. I trust and believe that as I get better at that, there will be many, many things added to me as well. I have no idea what that means exactly, but it is going to be good. What I cannot tell you is what you should be doing to put God's kingdom first. I am quite certain none of us thinks I am the Holy Spirit. Seek God and follow His directions. If you just do not hear anything, open the manual (Bible). His whole will is revealed right there. God bless!