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[Note: This MS is available in larger font on our Brief Articles 2 page.]
Jesus forever settles where God’s church, the kingdom on earth, should come in one’s list of values: “But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). But when and under what circumstances should we do this? One is correct in saying, “All of the time and under all circumstances.” However, such an answer is too general to have much meaning for most of us. Let us ask, and answer, more specifically, “When should one seek first the kingdom?”
When we marry. If one is interested in serving God and going to heaven, it is only reasonable that he or she should choose a companion who will have this interest. It is one of the world’s great tragedies to see a fine, dedicated-to-Christ young person fall in love with someone who has no interest at all in spiritual things and never will. At best the faithful Christian must shoulder all the spiritual burden of the home and at worst many are drawn away by their companions and lose their souls.
When we choose our work. If the kingdom is at the top of our list in life, we will never consider any sort of business or employment that would weaken us spiritually or tarnish our reputation.
When we rear and educate our children. What do we want most for our children? Do we care more about their social and physical needs than their spiritual needs? Is our driving ambition that they may be popular at all costs or faithful Christians? If we are really seeking the kingdom first, we will want our children to have the education that will help preserve and strengthen their faith for many years of Christian service that will end in heaven, such as a Christian college ought to provide.
When we make big decisions. What is the main factor in governing our big decisions, such as changing jobs, moving, etc.? How much money it means, whether we will like the climate, what the living conditions are, etc., must all be considered. But, for the Christian, the important question is, “Will this enable me to serve the Lord more or will it hinder me?” In any big decision, we ought to pray, “Thy will be done.” WHEN
When we have financial success. If we lay up treasures on earth, we are fools; if we lavishly spend them on pleasures, we are fools twice over. If the kingdom is not first financially, it is not first, period!
[Note: I wrote this MS for and it was published in the January 1986 edition of Spiritual Sword, ed. Thomas B. Warren.]
Attribution: From thescripturecache.com; Dub McClish, owner and administrator.
