But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33
The Pharisees in Jesus’ time were deeply religious in outward behavior, yet Jesus often rebuked them because “They do all their deeds to be seen by others” (Matthew 23:5). Their piety was more about appearances than true devotion.
Put God’s Kingdom First
Jesus’ teaching reminds us to lift our eyes above the everyday worries of life. We’re called to shift our focus from temporary things to eternal truths: “look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). When we do this, Jesus promises that “all these other things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
Submit Yourself to Righteousness
We naturally become servants to whatever we obey. As Paul wrote, we obey what we have given ourselves to (Romans 6:16). It’s impossible to serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). Our bodies will either serve sin or righteousness (Romans 6:13). We are always choosing a path: walking in the Spirit or walking in the flesh (Romans 8:1).
Pursue Godliness with Determination
Paul’s charge to Timothy still stands for us today: “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11). Even though the “new man” within us desires to do right, we often feel the temptation from our sinful nature: “I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin” (Romans 7:25).
Staying Spiritually Alert
Spiritual growth requires consistent effort. We can’t afford to grow complacent. As Scripture warns, “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).
What are you yielding to in your daily life? Are your choices leading you closer to God’s kingdom, or pulling you toward the things that are only temporary?
Angga
Photo by Vladislav Babienko on Unsplash