ONE OF MY FAVORITE VERSES TO HATE

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I have a few Bible verses that I hate. One of them is Matthew 6:33. it reads “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and, and all these things will be given to you as well.” The part of the verse that rubs me the wrong way is “But seek first his kingdom…” It bothers me because it tells me before anything else, I am to seek God’s kingdom first. The fact is at the core of my being I am a self-seeking, self-centered, hypocrite.

When I read that I am to seek the kingdom of God first, the first thing I think of is how often I don’t. My thoughts and actions are usually closer to the works of the flesh (fits of anger – especially in my thoughts, jealousy, or idolatry – remember idolatry can be anything we put before God like our job, sports, etc.) then the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). I’ve asked myself “Why do I struggle so hard with works of the Flesh versus fruits of the Spirit? The harsh truth is I do so because I don’t focus on (seek) Christ first.

Focusing on Christ first means I have to transform my thoughts from what I want (anger at how I’ve been treated, jealousy over what someone else has achieved, or focusing on what I need to do to get ahead in my job) to what God wants me to do. When I look at Him I can praise Him and express gratitude for everything He has done and is doing in my life. In return, he provides me with a life that is different from anything I’ve experienced. It is not a sin-free life and it is not without hardship and trials, but it is one in which I know with certainty that He walks beside me (yes even when I sin).

Living by seeking Him first is difficult and frustrating because of my continual failure, but every time I fail to seek Him first, I come to Christ in humbleness and ask for forgiveness. Just as the Bible promises in 1 John 1:9, He forgives me and restores me which allows me to continually seek His way before my way.

His way first, my way second. This is a great formula for living the abundant life in Christ!