Life is full of distractions. From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to bed, our minds are bombarded with countless tasks, responsibilities, and desires. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and lose sight of what truly matters. But as followers of Christ, we are called to prioritize God and seek first His kingdom.
The Cost of Distractions
Imagine you are walking along a narrow path, and on either side, there are beautiful flowers, tempting you to stop and admire their beauty. As you pause to smell one flower, you notice another, and then another. Before you know it, you have strayed far from the path and lost sight of your destination.
This is what happens when we allow distractions to take precedence over our relationship with God. We become so consumed with the things of this world that we lose sight of our ultimate purpose – to know and love God.
Jesus warned us about the dangers of distractions in Matthew 6:24, saying, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” When we prioritize worldly pursuits over our relationship with God, we are essentially serving two masters – God and the world. And as Jesus made clear, this is an impossible and destructive way to live.
Seeking First His Kingdom
So how do we prioritize God and seek first His kingdom? It starts with a shift in our mindset and a reordering of our priorities. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus gives us the answer: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Seeking God’s kingdom means making Him the center of our lives. It means aligning our thoughts, desires, and actions with His will. It means seeking His guidance and wisdom in every decision we make. When we prioritize God, everything else falls into place.
One way to seek first His kingdom is through prayer. Jesus Himself set an example for us by regularly withdrawing to a quiet place to pray and seek His Father’s will. In Mark 1:35, it says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
By setting aside dedicated time each day to pray and seek God’s presence, we invite Him to be an active part of our lives. We open ourselves up to His guidance, His peace, and His transformative power.
Putting God First in Practice
Prioritizing God is not just about setting aside time for prayer and worship. It’s about living out our faith in every aspect of our lives. It’s about treating others with love and kindness, even when it’s difficult. It’s about being a light in the darkness and sharing the hope we have in Christ.
One of the most powerful ways we can prioritize God is by loving our neighbors as ourselves. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
When we prioritize God, we prioritize loving others. We seek opportunities to serve, to forgive, and to show compassion. We become vessels of God’s love and grace, reflecting His character to the world around us.
The Rewards of Prioritizing God
When we prioritize God and seek first His kingdom, we experience a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose. We no longer chase after empty pursuits that leave us feeling empty and unsatisfied. Instead, we find true joy and contentment in knowing and serving our Creator.
Jesus promises that when we seek first His kingdom, all the things we need will be provided for us. This doesn’t mean we will never face challenges or hardships, but it means that God will take care of us and meet our needs according to His perfect plan.
As we prioritize God, we also experience a transformation in our hearts and minds. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
When we prioritize God, our thoughts and desires align with His, and we are able to discern His will for our lives. We become more attuned to His voice and more sensitive to His leading. Our lives become a testimony to His goodness and faithfulness.
Conclusion
Prioritizing God and seeking first His kingdom is not always easy. It requires intentionality, discipline, and a constant realignment of our priorities. But the rewards far outweigh the cost. When we make God the center of our lives, everything else falls into place. We experience true joy, purpose, and fulfillment.
So today, let us commit to prioritizing God above all else. Let us seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Let us love Him with all our hearts and love our neighbors as ourselves. And as we do, may we experience the abundant life that comes from knowing and serving our Creator.
Challenge:
Take a moment to reflect on your priorities. Are you truly seeking first God’s kingdom in your life? Are there any distractions or worldly pursuits that are taking precedence over your relationship with Him? Commit to making God your top priority and seek His guidance in every area of your life. Set aside dedicated time each day to pray and seek His presence. Look for opportunities to love and serve others, reflecting God’s character to the world around you. And remember, when you prioritize God, everything else falls into place.
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