SEEKING FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Jesus said, seek first the kingdom of God, and its righteousness; and all earthly things in line with God’s will, shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33; 1 John 5:14-15). Becoming part of the kingdom means repenting and believing in God’s only begotten Son Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, and being filled with the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-16; Acts 2:38). Nevertheless, many seek earthly things first. However, as loving obedient followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, seeking the kingdom of God should be our number one priority.
LEARNING TO SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Dr. Cloud, now a born-again clinical psychologist, says he learned about the blessings of seeking first the kingdom of God, at a point in his life when he was desperate for help. He shares what he learned in his book titled The Secret Things of God.
Henry said he was a sophomore in college, experiencing the pains of a broken relationship, a failed career dream and living with haunting depression every day. For some unexplainable reason, he said his attention was drawn to the Bible on his bookshelf, which he had not read since being in college. When he randomly opens it, he said his eye fell on a verse of scripture that seem to leap off the page.
But seek first the kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given you as well. (Matthew 6:33).
He read the next verse, and it said:
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow,
For tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matt 6:34)
BEING BLESSED IN SEEKING THE KINGDOM FIRST
In Henry’s embracing the above scriptures, he said God helped him through his personal troubles and gave him guidance for his life. Guided and aided by the Holy Spirit, he eventually achieved a doctorate degree in psychology, with training in theology as part of his program of study. He recognized that God blessed him personally, and equipped him professionally as a clinical psychologist to be able to help others with their problems.
People coming to Dr. Cloud allowed him opportunities to help them with their personal problems, and hopefully with their need to seek the kingdom of God first. The doctor said he learned to use many principles of the Bible in helping others, which he calls “The Secret Things of God.” Besides seeking the kingdom of God first, below are a few of the other Bible principles of wisdom that he said he used effectively:
- He that harkens to counsel is wise (Proverbs 12:15).
- Whosoever keeps his mouth and tongue keeps his self from trouble (Psalms 21:27).
- The discretion of a man defers his anger (Proverbs 19:11).
- Do not rescue an angry man, or you will have to do it again tomorrow (Proverbs 19:19).
RECOGNIZING DANGER OF SEEKING EARTHLY THINGS FIRST
Some counselors have been observed to disregard Jesus’ advice to seek the Kingdom of God first. They unwittingly or knowingly misuse principles of scripture to instruct people to primarily seek things of the earth. The following are just a few examples of how they may use scriptural principles to motivate people to pursue earthly success; without advising them to seek first the kingdom of God.
- As a man thinks so is he (Proverbs 23:7)—Positive thinking causes success.
- The profit of the earth is for all (Ecclesiastes 5:9)—You have a right to the riches of the world.
- The hands of the diligent shall rule (Proverbs 12:24)—You can be at the head, if you work hard.
- .Jesus asks those who have ears to hear his voice, what shall it profit a person to gain the whole world and to lose their soul (John 10:27-28; Mark 8:36)?
YOUR BEING BLESSED IN SEEKING THE KINGDOM OF GOD FIRST
Have you discovered the blessings of seeking the kingdom of God first? Following your repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit helps you to be conformed to the likeness of God’s Son (John 3:16; John 16:13; Romans 8:29). As one of God’s born-again children, he takes care of all your needs and gives you the desires of you heart (Matthew 6:33; Psalm 37:4). Beyond temporal earthly blessings, the Lord is preparing a place for you to live with him in heaven forever (John 14:2-3).
