Adding Doesn't Always Equal More
Seek First the Kingdom of God
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.”
It amazes me that after quoting this verse to myself for years, I can randomly read it in my Bible one day and it knocks me over yet again with the truth it holds. For anybody who says the Bible is an old book of old stories for an old generation long gone, I say look again. Because I see a living , breathing work of God present in my life today!
In Matthew 6, Jesus is sitting on a mountain near Capernaum, and he is delivering his most noted sermon. Can you imagine what that must have been like? Sitting leisurely, listening to the beautiful voice of Jesus speak truth into your life. Gives me goosebumps just to think about it!
Matthew 6.33 has sort of become my life verse. It represents my motivation for each day. The clear voice in times of difficulty. My hope in submitting my life to His.
This one statement contradicts everything our society believes. But the Bible often does that. We are taught early on to work hard to make the money to buy the things we need. That pretty much portrays the mindset of most people.
In the few verses leading up to this one, Jesus speaks to the individual wondering what they will eat, and what they will wear. He’s talking to those who worry, worry, worry.
But Jesus, the man who for three years didn't have a home to lay his head. Who lived off of the generosity of others. This man, also know as the Son of God, encourages us—no wait—commands us not to worry.
When you wake up in the morning, you are to set your mind on our Father’s business. To seek Him first is to welcome the rest. Charles Spurgeon wrote in his commentary of Matthew 6, "You mind His business, and He will mind ours."
When you set yourself to His work and perfect will, He will take care of your needs and concerns.
God is the Whole and Everything Else is an Addition
My favorite thought about this verse resembles a math equation of sorts. (Don't worry, it's not complicated). Jesus calls us to seek Him first, and that which we desire will be added to us. This leaves me to conclude, naturally, that God must be our WHOLE. The rest that we desire are ADDITIONS.
Friend, don’t seek the additions, because they are just that—additions. Not the whole. Nothing more. When you seek the additions, looking to make them your whole, you will be nothing but unsatisfied. It's like chasing the wind. But when you seek God first, He will add everything you need! What an incredible promise!
I've begun to notice the little additions that I've been seeking, and I'm convicted. Even good things I have devoted myself to have begun to look like wholes to me. My work in ministry. My commitment to people. I read this verse and I catch subtle glimpses of the additions I am beginning to make the whole in my life.
I hope today I can encourage you to reevaluate your life and see where your crutches are. What are you seeking after? Is it God? Or is it money? Recognition at work? Your family? A boyfriend or girlfriend? There should be nothing that you seek outside of the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.
Out of that devotion to make him whole, He will add to you those things you desire, and those lovely additions that make your life beautiful. The job you like. The family you love. The relationship you enjoy. Those are additions. And it makes the additions all the more beautiful when they come from God.