Introduction:
One of our challenges for 2014 is to learn and live all 50 commands
of Jesus. Jesus told us that following
his commandments is a way to love him and a way for his love and his joy to
fill our lives (John 15:9-12). In his
Great Commission, Jesus tells his followers to make disciples of all nations,
teaching them to obey everything he commanded us (Matthew 28:19-20). So each week in this year we are learning and
living one command of Jesus. Here is our
command for this week...
Week 2:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and
all these things will be given to you as well,” (Matthew 6:33).
Application:
Before we move into week 2, how did week one go? Did you memorize Mark 12:30-31? This verse is Jesus’ summary of all his commands. They basically fall into one
of two categories: love God and love others.
Now we really begin the journey with our first
command. And guess what? It is all about
putting God first. Jesus said to seek
first God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness.
We love God by seeking God first.
This command comes with Good News! God promises that when we seek him first, he
will take care of the rest! This command
is the antidote to worry. Leading up to
this command, Jesus instructs the people not to worry about life or what we
will eat, drink, or wear. He explains
that God cares about us and desires to provide for our every need. So rather than spending our time worrying,
which doesn't do us any good, Jesus commands us to seek God first. When we seek God first, God will take care of
the rest!
The main question for us is this: How are we seeking God
first in every area of our life? Here
are some follow up questions and action steps…
First of your WEEK – Do you begin every week by
worshiping God with your community of faith?
If not, make a commitment to give God the first of your week.
First of your DAY – Is God the first one you talk with
after getting up? Do you spend time with
God in prayer and/or bible reading before you begin your day? If not, make this a part of your routine. I really notice how giving God the first of
my day can really bless the rest of my day!
First of your PRIORITIES – As you reflect on your
priorities for the day, the week, or the year, is your number one priority
centered around how you can forward God’s kingdom in our world through your
life and your church? Perhaps we may
need to reflect on how God is calling us to participate in his movement to
reach and transform our world and make that our top priority.
First of your DECISIONS – Do we make our decisions
based on a desire to seek God’s righteousness?
When we make choices about what we say, what we do, how we manage our
finances, what we eat, what we watch, where we go, how we spend our time, who
we spend our time with, and so on, our first thought should be: Will this help
me seek God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness?
Then, we chose God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness.
First in our FINANCES – The bible teaches that the
first tenth (tithe) of our financial income belongs to God and should be
brought to the local church for the purpose of spreading God’s kingdom and God’s
righteousness. Are you bringing God the first of your finances? We don’t have to fear
offering this money back to God because God promises to provide for our needs.
This week our challenge is to seek God first. There are five categories above. Focus on one a day. Reflect on that category and make any needed
decisions, adjustments, or commitments.
Remember, if we put God first, God will take care of the rest!
Share your comments
and application ideas…
Special actions: worship every week; commitment to reading Scripture and praying at the beginning of the day; talking with family about ways we can be missional in our neighborhood; giving above and beyond 10% of our income back to God.
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