Seek First The Important!

I suppose if we were to ask almost anyone today for a list of priorities, I bet most of us would have a list like this:

1. Family

2. Career

3. Hobby

If you are a Christian or a religious person,  God may grace the top of this list. God, now that is a big listing, and it could mean, church, personal spiritual development, ministry, etc, so you see unless we define it, it could mean lots of things.

So lets define it today.  Jesus said to seek first the Kingdom of God, and all the other things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:32-33  32For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.  33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Seek first the Kingdom of God, and the righteousness that comes with it. Just seeking the Kingdom doesn't mean much, because a search for God could lead you to discover a false god in sheeps clothing. Notice Jesus said, "first seek the kingdom of God, and HIS RIGHTEOUS."   The Kingdom of God begins by you letting God set up His Kingdom in your heart, and allowing His King, (Jesus Christ) to be in control of your life. This is what Jesus was referring to when He talked about the Kingdom.   Seeking first the Kingdom of God is allowing God to change your life. That change comes in you forsaking a self centered life, and giving yourself to live out the principles of the Kingdom found in God's Word, the Bible.  Simple definition, but that's what it means to seek first the kingdom of God. So, if you place God at the top of your list, your priorities will change from serving self, to serving God.  Does serving a church, a ministry, or some spiritual service constitute seeking the kingdom of God? It could, but not necessarily. I have known ministry obligations to destroy people, and keep them in bondage to a program, a theology, or a practice, without much devotion to God Himself.  Many ministries operate for example on little to no prayer. They may pray an obigatory prayer asking for His help, and guidance, but in general, most decisions, and practices of that ministry are performed with little to no interaction with God. Many Christian leaders have narcissitic tendancies which drive the ministry in the direction of the leaders desires and giftings, and often followed by practices that are less than kingdom oriented. It has been my experience that most leaders have this tendancy, and they work to protect their domain, rather than submitting to the kingdom of God. Submitting does not mean conforming, it means surrender.  Luke 9:23 (23) And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Kingdom seekers are people who see their King as the most important, and are willing to live for Him no matter the cost.  Keeping it honest and truthful...K John Maxwell has been speaking and writng about leaders for most of his adult life. You might find this clip challenging.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vl92wsQeWU