How to Seek First the Kingdom of God (An Open Letter)
Dear Reader,
Throughout history, great thinkers and philosophers have marveled at the wisdom found in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Regardless of their personal beliefs, many have acknowledged its deep moral and spiritual significance. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus gives us a profound key to life: "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." But what does it truly mean to ‘seek the Kingdom of God’? Is it really as simple as just ‘put God first’, or is there a deeper meaning? And how do we apply this teaching to our daily lives?
Well… here are three practical frameworks to help us find the answers on our journey:
Perceive → Pursue → Prosper
Create, Connect, Contribute
Pray + Prioritize + Practice
These motto’s when used either individually or combination, show us how to seek first the kingdom of God. Please take a moment to soak in the below.
PART 1: Perceive à Pursue à Prosper
A) Perceive the Kingdom of God: Understanding God’s Kingdom begins with perception. The word "kingdom" comes from king- (meaning ruler) and -dom (meaning domain or state of being). Just as freeDOM is the state of being free, wisDOM the state of being wise, and starDOM the state of being famous, God’s Kingdom is the state of His supreme reign. Our LORD is the King of Kings and we must recognize his sovereignty over all things – spiritually, mentally and physically. We must be aware of God as the alpha and omega, the most high. We are ALL part of GOD's rule, and he has made us Kings and Queens of this world. In Genesis 1:26-28 he instructs us to "have dominion" over every living thing on earth. We have been put in charge by God himself and are to be fruitful. Under his Kingship we are Kings and Queens all with our own unique mission, testimony, and part to play. We must be aware and conscious of God's state of kingship over the universe, and therefore our right to rule under him.
B) Pursue the Kingdom of God: Once we perceive the Kingdom, we must actively pursue it. As we move through our day noticing and acknowledging the Kingdom of God, we gain better discernment of what is NOT part of his kingdom. As a result, we start to better understand what the kingdom of God looks, feels, and sounds like. We then start to understand the weight of the responsibility he has given us. For every single one of us has an important part to play, individually instructed by the most high. And as he is the most high, it is by him it is fulfilled. It is our job to align with him, and it is his job to strengthen us, so that his will flows through us. Like trying to attach a hose pipe to a water source; if we are not aligned, then his living water, light and love cannot flow through us to the lot we are designated to take care of. We must align with his law and teaching, making daily choices as we go forward that align with God's righteousness. Never give up, especially during hard times, for those are the turning points when we are needed most. Persevering through suffering builds character, and strong character generates hope (Romans 5:3-5). Never underestimate how your hope can impact another's faith, which is the root of God's power in us, to accomplish anything through us. We must continue to pursue with faith, adding goodness. And to our goodness, adding knowledge. And to our knowledge, adding self-control. And to our self-control, adding perseverance. And to our perseverance, adding godliness. And to our godliness, adding mutual affection. And finally, through these steps we can arrive at LOVE. GOD. (2 Peter 1:5-10). Every day is a new day. Yesterday is gone, it now only serves as a lesson from the past. Tomorrow is a mystery and belongs only to God. But today is a gift and the most high has shared it with you! Jesus has given us everything we need. The battle has been won, and he has done it. Be glad and celebrate! Dust yourself off and chase another win for us and for God. For today is a new day.
C) Prosper in the kingdom of God. Operating from a kingdom perspective will give you a supernatural advantage over your challenges. When Jesus ascended into heaven escorted by angels before the disciples' very eyes (Acts 1:9-12 and other gospel accounts), the disciples rejoiced and worshipped excitedly. For only then did they finally understand that Jesus' sacrifice (aligned with scapegoat traditions in Leviticus/Torah) meant that the sins of all mankind were forgiven. That Jesus had a room prepared for them in heaven. That the inauguration of Jesus Christ as our Lord was complete. That all they had to do was choose today to live a life aligned with God and they could spend eternity in heaven after their designated time to live their purpose on earth was finished. Their God, and our God has been faithful to every single law that has been made. Just as a perfect God would. His law is and was and has always been perfect. Your blessing has already been prepared, let alone the ones along the way on this earth. Give thanks, give praise, give and be fruitful!
PART 2: Create, Connect, Contribute
To life a fulfilling and impactful life, we must actively do these three things.
(i) Create - The first thing God told us in Genesis is that he is the creator, and he created creation. So, if he has created us in his image, then we are his creation who have been created to be creators! Use your gift to create! Whether it’s creating solutions, art, memorable moments, meaningful conversations... whatever it is, it needs to be expressed! Do not think to yourself "someone else will do it". There are people out there in your network/community/world that will never have the opportunity to experience what you have unless it comes specifically from you. Take action- 1 step at a time, 1 task at a time, 1 person at a time… Do it today. If it didn’t work yesterday, refine it, break it down into a smaller steps and try again today. For God will provide. All that is required of you today is try again in the best way you can. Pray as if everything depends on God and work as if everything depends on you. Just as a good tree bears good fruit, we can add more "goodness" to our world.
(ii) Connect – From the beginning, humanity was designed for divine connection. When God created humankind, we had a direct connection to him and his holy divinity. But man chose sin, making us unholy and severing the connection. We then could not re-create that connection ourselves as we had broken God's holy law. When Jesus died for us, he fulfilled God's law, so that now by having faith in him (not deeds or actions but FAITH in him), it restores that relationship and allows us the opportunity to reconnect with God. It is a choice we must consciously and knowingly make. Our people, our human family, are all important to God. Just like how a parent loves their child, despite that child's mistakes, so our God loves all people. If only more people knew all they had to do was to choose to live their life with him! We must be good to those that God cares about i.e. all people. Even if they are difficult. The beautiful thing is, by dealing with difficult people, you also learn and become a better person. Fellowship is important. Find ways to connect with others in our human family. To love God with all out heart, mind and soul, we must also love others as we love ourselves. We are all one body. The connected parts of the body of Jesus Christ.
(iii) Contribute - simply put, you have been given sovereign authority over your assignment. Act like it. Serve. Give without expecting anything back. In doing so, you will experience true joy.
PART 3: Pray + Prioritize + Practice
Finally, seek God in Prayer, seek God in Priority and seek God in Practice.
1) Pray. When Jesus showed us how to pray, his first three steps were to greet God, praise him, and then thirdly, declare his kingdom: (Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name, YOUR KINGDOM COME...). It’s important to pray directly for help. Daily. Please join me:
Our Lord God,
I seek your kingdom today and ask for your guidance.
Dear Lord, please rule over my example today, so I can walk in righteousness.
Dear Lord, please rule over my experience today, so I can know peace.
Dear Lord, please rule over my expression today, so I can have Joy, and show others that the joy of the Lord is my strength.
Amen
2) Prioritise your assignment. The most high has made you Kings and Queens over your lot. You have dominion over it. The plumber rules over the flow of water and serves water to the people. The electrician rules over the flow of electricity and serves electricity to the people. Rule over your assignment. Serve the people.
3) Practice. In every moment, day by day, seek ye first the kingdom of God. When we pray for strength, God gives us a chance to be strong. When we pray for wisdom, God gives us a chance to learn and know his ways. Take this opportunity, no matter how small. Make it your mission to embody God’s love in every moment.
SUMMARY
· Perceive à Pursue à Prosper
· Create, Connect, Contribute
· Pray + Prioritize + Practice
Everything has already been perfectly prepared, specifically for you. Step into God’s Kingdom today with faith, love and purpose. May God's will flow through you today and fill your life with blessings. Amen.
Yours Sincerely,
Gary Quashie