KINGDOM FIRST CHRISTIANS

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Mt. 6:33 NKJV)

The above passage is either true or false. Since Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life said it, and He spoke by authority from His Heavenly Father who cannot lie, we believe it to be true (Jn. 14:6, 12:49; Tt. 1:2). When Christ said, “seek” He was not asking, He was commanding. Since God gave Christ all authority in heaven and on earth, we must obey Him to be right (Mt. 28:18). Jesus is commanding us to prioritize the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The nations of the world (cf. Lk. 12:30) were seeking basic physical necessities (food, drink, and clothing) which the Father knows we all have need of (Mt. 6:25-32). To seek only those physical things, without prioritizing and seeking the spiritual, is the main reason anyone is wordly, fleshly, or carnal in their thinking. Such thinking causes problems including envy, strife, and division (1 Cor. 3:1-3).

To illustrate the point, if someone told you that you had to deny Jesus or they would terminate your physical life, what would your response be? Most, if not all, would make the bold claim of Peter and the other disciples to Jesus in Matthew 26:35 NKJV, “…Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples.” Yet, we read of Peter denying Jesus not once or twice, but three times that very night (Mt. 26:69-74). Peter had already started to falter when he distanced himself from Jesus (Mt. 26:58). What did Peter prioritize? Answer that question, and you will see why he did what he did. Of a truth, when we do not give Christ our all, we cannot follow the commandment to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This is why Jesus requires us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Mt. 16:24-26). This is why Jesus requires us to be willing to give up anything and everything that stands in the way of our being His faithful servants (Lk. 14:25-33).

Jesus is denied more in action, or the lack thereof, than in speech. Such is seen in Matthew 25 with the parable of the ten virgins, parable of the talents, and the sheep and the goats. Matthew 25 concludes with the final location of the inactive goats, everlasting punishment, and the active sheep, eternal life (Mt. 25:46). Both locations are everlasting or eternal. Both locations are real. Only one, Heaven, is available for those who seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Everyone else will find themselves forever tormented with what could have been. Speaking of priorities, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Mt. 22:37 NKJV emphasis mine). If that is true in my life, I will have no problem assembling with the saints at every opportunity (e.g., Bible classes, worship services). I will have no problem reading and studying my Bible daily. I will have no problem praying without ceasing. I will have no problem reaching out to the lost in evangelism. I will have no problem doing what the Lord says, in fact, His wish is my command. We need more kingdom first Christians!

Trent Thrasher