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Matthew 6:33 - Make Christ First and Last and Best in Everything!!!

Matthew 6:33 (NLT) Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

INTRODUCTION

To "seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously" means to put God first in your life, to fill your thoughts with his desires, to use his character as your life's pattern, and to keep on implementing his Kingdom values on earth. What is really important to you? People, objects, goals, and other desires all compete for priority. Any of these can quickly become most important to you if you don't actively choose to give God first place in every area of your life. In Jesus' Kingdom, worrying about daily needs leaves us empty. But maintaining a good relationship with him and loving others give us all these benefits as by-products. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARLS

We are to make Him [Christ] first and last and best in everything. We are to engage in no business, follow no pursuit, seek no pleasure, that would hinder the outworking of His righteousness in our character and life. Whatever we do is to be done heartily, as unto the Lord... If we follow His example, His assurance to us is that all things needful in this life "shall be added." MB99

Make Christ first and last and best in everything. Constantly behold Him, and your love for Him will daily become deeper and stronger as it is submitted to the test of trial. AH106

Whatever our department of labor, be it housework or field work or intellectual pursuits, we may perform it to the glory of God so long as we make Christ first and last and best in everything. 5T459

Worry is blind, and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning.  In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. Our Heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing.  Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme, will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet. DA330

COMMENTARY

Starting With Righteous Praise
   At the start of each day, before you look at the weather, scan the news, or check your email, consider orienting yourself first in the truth that matters most: God is great and worthy of all praise.
   It's important to aim to start your day with this because there will inevitably be other priorities trying to grab the headline for your day - busy schedules, unexpected stressors, and important conversations. Before you know it, you may find yourself rushing, forgetting to rely on God's power. You start to seek a lesser kingdom of manmade righteousness.
   If you really want to see your faith life change, seek Him first. You can't equally seek Him and the things of this world. One always comes before the other. So choose to start with God. Start with praise. Don't wait until the day is over to check in with Him. We are prone to put a thousand things before God. If you prioritize seeking the kingdom of God, everything else will be added to you.
   Dear God, would You prick my heart consistently throughout this day so that I would remember to turn to You first before all else? Anoint me. Appoint me. Protect me. Thank You for today. I want to put You first today. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio]

AI COMMENTARY

Question: how do we seek the kingdom of God above all else?

   To seek the kingdom of God above all else means making His will, righteousness, and glory your highest priority, focusing on spiritual growth through prayer, Bible study, and obedience, while trusting Him to provide for your worldly needs, rather than worrying about them. It involves aligning your life, decisions, and resources (time, money, efforts) with His purposes, serving others in His name, and putting His interests before your own ambitions.
   Core Practices
      o Prayer & Scripture: Start your day with prayer and reading God's Word to align your heart with His will and hear His guidance, as noted in this post by the Assemblies of God.
      o Obedience & Righteousness: Live according to God's moral standards, pursuing holiness, justice, and love, not just religious rituals, as explained on this Reddit thread.
      o Prioritize God's Agenda: Make God's desires your own, giving Him first consideration in your finances (tithing), interests, schedule, and relationships, according to this post by Pastor Rick Warren.
      o Service to Others: Use your God-given gifts to serve others, reflecting His love and mercy, which is a practical way to advance His kingdom, as taught on this YouTube video.
   The Mindset Shift
      o Trust, Not Worry: Release anxiety about daily needs (food, clothing) because God promises to provide when you put His kingdom first, according to this Bible study tools article.
      o Eternal vs. Temporal: Focus on eternal, God-honoring activities rather than solely on perishable worldly pursuits, as discussed on this GotQuestions.org page.
      o Surrender: Deny your ego and worldly ambitions to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, accepting His rule in your life and influence, as described on this Facebook post.
   In Summary
   Seeking God's kingdom is a daily, active choice to put God's reign and values above all else, leading to a life of purpose, provision, and peace as you trust in His faithfulness, as explained on this GotQuestions.org page.

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Matthew 6:33 - Make Christ First And Last And Best In Everything!!!
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240619-0920.html
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220117-0850.html

Matthew 6:33 - Put Jesus First and All These Things Will Be Added.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20201002-0935.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/