November 10: First Things First

Key Text: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33.

I have come to realize that we live in constant pursuit. What we are

Dr. Terry Ann Robinson,  
Kings Seventh-day Adventist Church

pursuing may differ, for some, it may be higher education, a skill, a job, a promotion, a house, a car, or money. For others, it may be a relationship, marriage, or children. Others may be seeking happiness, peace, or a sound mind. Still others may be seeking to be healthy or to have a toned body. Many may be seeking a combination of these, along with other items on a list too long to share. 

While we are busy seeking all these things, we see higher levels of anxiety and depression. The World Health Organization reported a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression since 2019. There is an increase in mental health challenges even among children.

Matthew 6 provides us with the recipe for the successful pursuit of all our hearts' desires.

The first step starts with giving (Matthew 6:1-4). Yes, we are still talking about seeking, but Jesus says, before you seek, give. Give to those in need, and do so in private. No announcement, and not in front of others. It does not matter how much or what it is. We all have something to give.

The second step is to pray, pray privately (Matthew 6:5-6). 

The third step is to fast. Deny yourself from food for a while. Practice fasting privately (Matthew 6:16-18).  

The fourth step is to lay up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). This involves giving your time, talents, and treasures to His cause. Invest in the gospel of Christ. 

After going through the first four steps, I realize that God is working on eradicating pride from our lives. The same pride that caused Lucifer to be kicked out of heaven. God says, Get rid of it! 

It appears that the recipe for getting what we desire has a foundation in selfless giving. God knows this would concern us, so he continues the chapter by telling us not to worry about what we will eat or drink. 

The final step is to seek ((Matthew 6:33-34). Still not what we want, but seek Him first. So, where does the seeking of all we want come in? 

It doesn’t. 

When we seek him first, then all we want will be given to us. 

Does this mean I will no longer work or do my best on the job or in my studies? Oh No! 2 Thessalonians 3:10, tells us, "If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” 

Instead, it means my focus is not on what I seek. My focus is on seeking God and His will, then He who knows what I need and even what I want, will add those things to my life. 

This recipe, when followed exactly as Matthew 6 outlines it, does not cause me heartache, stress, or anxiety. Pride is already gone so I am not comparing myself to others, I am waiting and depending on God. I am trusting His plan for my life. My job is to seek Him and let Him do the rest. 

I want to follow His plan, what about you?

Prayer

Our Father, in the business of life and in our pursuit of all we want on this earth, sometimes our priorities get shifted. We have neglected to seek you first. Even when the deadlines are on us and we are strapped for time, help us to remember that we cannot make it without You. If we only seek You first, then our days would be so much lighter. Help us to get our priorities in order. Amen.