But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)
Today, the last day of the year, is a time when many people think about and finalize their resolutions and goals for the New Year. Losing weight, eating healthier, or spending more time with family are among the most popular specific goals that many individuals set for themselves. But fast forward a few weeks into the new year to see where most people are likely to be with respect to their New Year’s resolutions. Will they be successful in their resolutions of weight loss, eating healthier, etc?
Is it possible to set a goal for the New Year that is simple to define, all encompassing and that will help keep us focused as we should be? Yes, and that’s the focus of today’s verse, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)
How do we seek first the kingdom of God? We focus on God in everything that we do, putting His kingdom first. When we focus on God, He helps us to do the things that we cannot do by ourselves. He can help us in controlling our appetites to eat healthier and lose weight, or whatever it is that we need to do.
Most importantly, when we seek first the kingdom of God in everything we do, we help manifest His kingdom in the world around us. We grow in our faith and shine His light for others to see, drawing others closer to His heart. And through this process, God richly blesses us in our lives: we prosper with God’s plan actualized in our lives.
Please consider and make seeking first the kingdom of God your goal and priority for the New Year.
"The only way the kingdom of God is going to be manifest in this world before Christ comes is if we manifest it by the way we live as citizens of heaven and subjects of the King." - R. C. Sproul