We're guilty of misplaced priorities!

Image source: forwardladies.com

"But seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness..." - Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

Take a moment to reflect on these scenarios


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He has a well-paying job which he works really hard at. He habitually arrives 45 minutes before official resumption time; he sometimes beats the security guys to work. An early bird, you'd call him.
As a result, he's a high flyer. He's clinched the 'employee of the year' gong for two years running and his pay cheque has grown fatter, too.
The management is even contemplating making him the head of the company's soon-to-be-opened branch overseas. He is indeed a super achiever!
But the last time he read a chapter of Scripture was two months ago...actually, he dozed off half way through. Yeah, I understand. He gets home late, he has to leave early to beat the traffic. I mean, he's so busy, right?

Her fashion business is booming. And I mean literally. She gets orders from international celebrities and showcases at the fashion capitals of the world. She's not just a brand, she's an institution!
She has even employed more hands than she ever thought possible as there's so much to do.
But the last time she shared Christ with anyone was six weeks ago. I hear you, she's very busy, right?

He runs three businesses. It's not wise to put all your eggs in one basket, is it? Well, that's why he has multiple streams of income.
He rarely has time for himself. He globe trots; today, he's in Beijing to meet some business partners, tomorrow he's in Honolulu to close a deal, the next he's in Amsterdam to attend a conference of "industry leaders". You don't want him to miss it, do you?
He's constantly on the phone keeping in touch with his businesses, they'll die off without him.
But the last time he prayed was a month ago. And no, I don't mean the 1 or so minute sign of the cross God I thank you for today quickie prayer. But the kind referred to in James 5 as "effective" and "fervent".

She spends around 11 hours a week with her "girlfriends" as they catch up on what's going on in their lives. They love each other's company, they sit and chit chat merrily.
But the longest she's spent in quiet time with the Lord is 10 minutes! It bores her out, and she has other more important things to do.
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The foregoing scenarios, though fictional, capture the sad reality of many a "Christian" today.

We have placed the cart before the horse! It's like purchasing everything for the roofing without laying the foundation. We have missed the plot. We have relegated to the background the things that really matter, and pursue those of little value. We're guilty of misplaced priorities!

Jesus, speaking in Matthew 6, specifically instructed believers to seek God's kingdom above all else. His words in verse 26 read:
"Look at the birds of the air, they neither sow or reap nor gather into barns;  YOUR heavenly Father feeds them. (NKJV)

Your heavenly Father, He said, clearly referring to believers. He then went on to add in verse 33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness..."

Clearly, He expects, and demands, that we place utmost priority on God's kingdom and will above all else.

Let's take special note also of Jesus' words in Matthew 6:9-10 when He taught us how to pray.

"In this MANNER, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your KINGDOM come, your WILL be done on earth as it is in heaven."

In this manner, therefore, pray tells us the order of not only our prayers, but our lives, also. It is God's kingdom and His will first before all else. That is, if you claim to be a child of God.

God has not changed His instruction

Regardless of the largely harsh economic situation, bad leadership, scarcity, recession, fall in global prices, God has not changed His mind, He is still saying to us today:
"Seek FIRST my kingdom and my righteousness."
"Seek FIRST an intimate relationship with Me."
"Seek FIRST to learn and know my word and my ways."
"Seek FIRST my purpose for you."


Image source: cathedraloftheking.org

We can't continue down this path
It's time we make a 360 degrees reversal and focus on the things that matter - seeking God's will and proclaiming God's kingdom to the world.

How can we fulfill our purpose as God's children when we pursue other things other than His will?

How can creation be free from its groaning when the children of God are yet to be made manifest?

How shall the world believe that Christ indeed died, was buried and resurrected with all power in His hand when "believers" are focused on other things and have forsaken the primary assignment?

It's time we set our priorities right! It's time we switch things - place the horse before the cart, that's the correct order! Get your priorities right! Seek God first, all else follows...

What are some of the things that you feel believers need to do more? Do share them with us in the comments.

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