Seek First...

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

I was struck by this verse the other day. It actually came to my mind in the form of a children's song I used to sing when I was a little girl..."Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness. And all these things will be added unto you. A---lle---lu--- A-lle-lu--ia."

I have been struck by the word "first" in this verse. Is there any question about what the word "first" means here? It is unmistakable that the Lord has commanded us to seek Him above all else. Simple, isn't it? Yet I get caught up in so many other things. Even when I think I am doing something really good, I put God in a corner and get to Him when I am done doing whatever it is I needed to do...kids, a shower, paying bills, grocery shopping, cleaning, the list goes on....These things are all important, so what is the "big deal"?

Do you get caught up in the thoughts and ideas of what you want your life to look like? Once you get your house the way you like it, as soon as the kids are in school, when the baby sleeps a little more through the night, or, are you in some difficult circumstances and waiting for the Lord to be done with you? As soon it is over and you have been "refined" you can move on and life will be back to normal, right?

However, if we are actively seeking the Kingdom and the righteousness of our Lord, isn't it dangerous to want to get back to the way things used to be or back to "normal"? If we are heeding the Word here in Matthew, our desire should be for God's kingdom and righteousness...WOAH...that's a lot more than my "normal" life! When I think about God kingdom, I know that there will need to be a lot of changes if I am going to somehow fit into His kingdom. Shouldn't I desire to be changed and made new, not "normal"?

I have tread on dangerous waters with thinking that "my" life is mine and craving normalcy. Somehow, I have deceived myself. My life is not mine. I gave it to the Lord years ago. God tells me to seek Him, actively pursue, look for Him, FIRST! Wow! The Lord wants me to want Him FIRST, before anything else and He takes care of the rest.

So, how would my life be different if I put the Lord first? How would your life be different if you sought the Lord first? Who or what do you put in front of Him, be honest with yourself!

He loves us so much that He desires a relationship that is deeper than any relationship we have ever had...He wants us to look to Him before anything or anyone else. Lord, will you help me seek You, Your kingdom, Your righteousness...