Scripture tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness… and “all these things will be added”. Ignoring for a moment ‘all these things’ – exactly what and where is the Kingdom and how do we seek it?
This is far from an idle question. And in the searching I tend to think that we make more of the search than the answer. When you consider righteousness – there is none in us. But, Praise God, He has made a way. Looking at 2Corinthians 5:21 you see that HE has made us righteous. Knowing that of ourselves we wouldn’t be able to do this or maintain it – He made a way. Confession (1John 1:9) gives us our method of restoration when we sin. Faith is the pathway. Relationship is the prize.
Kingdom of God. What is this to you? Is the search so difficult that you give up? Have you define this ‘place’ for yourself so you will know it when you are there? When you read in Mark 1:15: “The kingdom of God is at hand…” how do you react? I like how Hayford’s Bible Handbook states this (p. 668)
“The dynamic of Christian life and ministry is found in understanding
the kingdom of God, which is not in ‘eating and drinking’ (that is
ritual performance), but in ‘righteousness and peace and joy in the
Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)
Righteousness, Peace, Joy IN THE HOLY SPIRIT! The Handbook continues to state, “(the Kingdom of God)…the essence of the church’s message and life.” (p.668) Now ask yourself – is this the message MY church provides? If not, what should I do so that the church is aligned with the core message?
Yes there is a great deal to study and learn, but it is also what we can practice while we learn. I’ve always loved the scripture that talks about ‘iron sharpening iron’ and as we bring our understandings when we meet, we grow in BEING. This is life-long. And this only barely scratches the surface of what’s available to those who seek the Kingdom of God.
