English: Moses Pleading with Israel, as in Deuteronomy 6:1-15, illustration from a Bible card published 1907 by the Providence Lithograph Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Seeking first the kingdom of God
The Bible says in Matthew 6:33
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you”.
God intended that we love Him more than we love anything else. The example of Daniel readily comes to mind. Daniel and his three friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were taken to the palace of the king of Babylon. The king Nebuchadnezzar had commanded that all the students should eat from the king’s provision of food, meat and wine. This king was a terrible sinner who did not respect the God of Israel, so, Daniel purposed in his heart not to partake of the king’s table. He knew that most of the king’s provisions were remnants of what was offered to their idols.
But Daniel purpose in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Daniel 1:8
Can you imagine how sumptuous and palatable the food must have been, the aroma is enough to tantalize any man who’s heart is not fixed. In all these, Daniel was able to consider the kingdom of God above every others including his daily necessary personal needs. Daniel excelled and prospered in life because from his youth he had learnt the virtue of seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
He became the chief of the three presidents and one of the most respected individuals in Babylon all his life. When you understand his’ principle of seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness you will flow in a realm of divine help all through your life.
Moses was another example of someone who sought the kingdom of God above all things. Infact, the greatest secret of Moses success is this. Let’s read Hebrews 11: 24-27 “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, Refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater Riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king for he endured as seeing him who is invisible”.
Think about it yourself, would you have identified with Israel? If you happen to be in Moses’ shoes: you had the priviledge of been known and called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter: you grew up in affluence and an environment of comfort and more than enough of everything: you had the best education in the best educational institute of that time and now, you had to forsake all these for one group of people called the Israelites – the people of God. How will you feel or react to it? Moses forsook all, He sought first the kingdom of heaven, he became a fugitive and a refuge for God’s people’s sake.
This is one the highest sacrifices in life. Only the successful people can pay the prize. Successful people are those who are willing to leave (and walk out on) anything they like in other to protect those things they really love. They are willing to forsake sleep for some hours in other to be able to pray, they are willing to fast even though food is sweet and good that they can seek the face of God. They consider God first and more important than every other thing in the universe. If you want a never ending circle of success and influence, follow this second steps to success and you will be surprised of the height you will achieve before the end of this year.
How can you seek his kingdom first? By loving Him more than any other thing else. Jesus our Lord commanded that we love the Lord with all our hears and being. When everything you do is influenced by the kingdom of God, then you are seeking first the kingdom . when you seek first the kingdom of kingdom, it will not be difficult for you to pray, fast, give fat offering in the church, pay your tithes, and help the fellow brothers in need.
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