KINGDOM FIRST

"Seek first the KINGDOM OF GOD; and HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS 

and all these things shall be added unto you."   

Matthew 6:33

Within weeks Americans will go to the polls to elect a President, 435 members of the House of Representatives, and 33 Senators. The airwaves are filled with political advertising, talk shows are dominated by candidates and pundits, and partisans are pressing the case for their chosen candidate.

But frankly I'm discomfited by the entire spectacle.  

I started to list the problems we are facing as a nation, but we know them.  I deleted them. We know them all too well.

I think I should point to the Answer. 

Jesus said, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness" and then "all these things shall be added unto you."  (Matthew 6:33).  

When our national priorities are lifted from the pain of our present circumstances, to fervently seeking after God and His righteousness (not our own) we will right this drifting ship of state.

The moment we stop looking for solutions from slick politicians, government programs, or political parties, and start seeking first the Kingdom of God we will get our nation back on the right track.

When righteousness is exalted and evidenced in our personal and public lives, then and only then, will we know the blessings of Providence.

Trying times are revealing times. They reveal the depth of our faith, the strength of our commitments, and the lengths to which we will go--living out our faith and commitment.  

What is true for nations is true for individuals.  We must seek first the Kingdom of God.  We must make Kingdom priorities our priorities. And we must live righteous lives.  Jesus said if we would do these things, then all the things we need will be added to us.  I believe Him.

One final note: Christ's promise was given to disciples who languished under the heavy hand of Roman rule. The governments of the first century were no friends of Christ or His people. Yet in the midst of that godless age, Christ kept His word.  As His people sought first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, their needs were met.  

And Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Seek first the Kingdom!