Biblical Finances: Seek the Kingdom First
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I am super excited to share this new discovery with you guys and I hope it blesses you as much as it blessed me. Now today we are going to be talking about the biblical principle of seeking the kingdom of God before our own ‘kingdom’. Now I could make a whole post about this topic but I want to show you how the Lord shared with me that when Jesus taught this, it wasn’t a new principle. The Lord showed me how this principle was in action in the Old Testament. But before we go over that, let’s refresh ourselves on what it means to Seek the Kingdom first.
The Book of Matthew: Seek the Kingdom First
And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:27-33 NASB1995
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In this teaching Jesus tells us that we are not to worry about the basic things in life. But rather we are to put our focus on the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and then all these things will be added to us. He compares this principle with the lilies of the field that don’t work, yet they are more beautiful than the most well dressed King in Israel’s history. This is interesting because we can actually see this principle in action in the life of that very king, King Solomon.
How Solomon sought the Kingdom of God
God replied to Solomon, “Because this was in your heart and you did not ask for riches, possessions or honor and personal glory, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself so that you may rule and administer justice to My people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge have been granted you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor will those who will come after you.”
2 Chronicles 1:11-12 AMP
We see that in the beginning of this passage that God commended Solomon for not asking for anything for himself. If we compare that to the teachings of Jesus, then Solomon did the right thing. He didn’t set his heart on those things, but rather he set his heart on God’s Kingdom. He did this by asking the Lord for wisdom so that he may lead God’s people. You see Solomon was concerned about God’s business. And because of this, God became concerned about Solomon’s business. This teaching of seeking after the Kingdom of God first actually represents a type of partnership. When you take care of God’s business, He takes care of yours. You are working together. But it is cool to see that God has always been like this since the beginning. I challenge you to let go of your worries and start to seek the Kingdom first. Let Him take care of you as you take care of His Kingdom.
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