A New Way of Being: 10 Lessons From the Sermon on the MountSample

Day 9: Being a Seeker

As a disciple of Jesus, it is very easy to be distracted by other commitments and plans. In this passage, Jesus tells his disciples that their treasure should not be placed in the things that will eventually be forgotten but rather in him and in his kingdom.

Identifying what you treasure is pretty simple. What do you spend the majority of your time devoted to? Who makes your heart beat a little faster?  The sad truth is that our accomplishments, relationships, or even our possessions will eventually be gone.

Jesus says that we should instead place our treasure in what is eternal. The Apostle Peter tells us that our eternal hope is found in an “inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Pet 1:4). The inheritance Peter is referring to is rooted in the work of Jesus through his crucifixion and resurrection.

Instead of devoting ourselves to the things that will fade through time, Jesus says, “Seek first [God’s] kingdom and [God’s] righteousness” (Matt 6:33).

Jesus may be referring to a place and a people, but these two are difficult to seek after. Jesus is most clearly saying that his disciples should seek after the Kingdom rule of God in their lives. Seeking God’s kingdom and his righteousness means that we actively trust Jesus with the details of our lives. It means that we obey the instruction that he has given us. And it also means that we love him through the way we choose to serve him.

As disciples, our greatest fulfillment is found in the pursuit of Jesus’ kingdom rule. It is easy to be distracted by the comforts or challenges around us. But Jesus warns us about dividing our devotion and reminds us to have a singular focus.

Question to Ponder:

How will you seek God’s rule in your life today?