If we are supposed to
seek first the kingdom of God every day (see Matthew 6:33), then we should know
what the kingdom of God is in the first place. I used to think that the kingdom
of God was the mission fields and that to seek it meant doing missionary work.
Then, I realized that
the kingdom of God was not something outside you flowing in—“the kingdom of God
is not eating and drinking,” but something inside you flowing
out—“righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
So to seek first God’s
kingdom means to make it a priority every day to have your inner man flowing
with righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Righteousness is not
your own righteousness based on what you do. It is not good works. It is a gift
from Jesus who is your righteousness (see Romans 5:17, 1 Corinthians 1:30). God
wants you to be established in the truth that you are the righteousness of God
in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:21).
“Peace be with you”
were the words that Jesus spoke to His disciples when He appeared before them
after His resurrection. He also showed them His pierced hands and side. (John
20:19–20) God wants you to know that His Son’s finished work has given you
peace. Your conscience can be at rest because your sin debt has been settled.
You have peace with God and the peace of God.
Joy will come into
your heart when you see Jesus in the scriptures, worship songs or anointed
preaching. It is the same joy from the Holy Spirit which filled the disciples’
hearts when they saw Jesus, His hands and His side (see John 20:20).
So every day, make it a priority to see yourself righteous in Christ. Don’t be conscious of your sins. Instead, be conscious of your righteousness. And whether you are reading your Bible or listening to anointed preaching, see Jesus with His pierced hands and side, which speak of His finished work. See all your sins forgiven, and you will flow with peace and joy. When you do this, you are seeking the kingdom of God! (Article & Picture; courtesy of Joseph Prince Ministries used with kind permission).
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