But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matt 6:33 (NKJV)
Often, when this scripture is quoted we skip over the “…and His righteousness” part. Righteousness means ‘right standing with God’ which can only be achieved through the work Jesus achieved on our behalf. We can do not one thing to work our way into God’s good books. But ‘seeking’ is not just faith either. You don’t look for a lost item with faith alone BUT with works also.
Now when I say ‘works’ it conjures up all sorts of religious meanings in people’s minds and so a better word would be ‘actions’. Your faith and action get you to finding what was lost or what may be hidden. As with the Kingdom of God, sitting on a couch and having faith will not make it appear to you. “Heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force…” (Matt 11:12) – this speaks of action! CS Lewis says it well; “Christians have often disputed as to whether what leads the Christian home is good actions, or faith in Christ … it does seem to me like asking which blade in a pair of scissors is most necessary.”
When it comes to seeking the Kingdom, get up and take action. It won’t make you any more pleasing to God BUT it will make you understand the power of His righteousness, the work He achieved on our behalf, in a far greater way. Then the Kingdom will have far more clarity and perspective in your life. Seek out the Kingdom and His righteousness today… it’ll bless you!
