Seek First His Kingdom
Scripture Reading — Matthew 6:25-34
“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”
We worry about our health and our wealth. We worry about our children and our parents. We worry! It is second nature to us. We worry because we care. We care about ourselves and about others. Who can fault us for that?
But Jesus says, “Seek first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Seeking God’s kingdom on earth is to love God, love neighbor, love self. Seeking God’s righteousness means accepting all three—accept that God is Lord, that our neighbors are his children too, and that we are loved by God. Accepting and acting on these three aspects of the two great commandments brings peace in our hearts. If everything we do is seen and lived through this lens, then we know that our days are in God’s hands.
So focus first on the God who loves you, and who cares for the people you love. Seek first his kingdom and his way of righteousness every day. “‘Seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 29:13-14).
Lord God, we hold our hands open, entrusting all that we are and all that we hold dear to you as we seek you, your kingdom, and your righteousness. Help us to live with bold trust. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Dale Melenberg
Dale Melenberg is a second-career pastor. He received a theology degree through Calvin Theological Seminary and a doctorate of ministry degree at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is married to Gloria, and together they have raised three sons and are enjoying their four grandchildren. Growing up in an immigrant community shaped Dale’s view of family, church, and community in a profound way that continues to inform his life-view toward kingdom living with God, neighbors, and the creation.
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