Growing in Christ Sample

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Luke 12:22-34

“But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”  (Luke 12:31-32)

One day a Sunday School teacher explained a story about a rich man. She took a candle, lit the wick, then showed it to the Sunday school children. "Kids, this candlelight is bright, right? Do you remember the story in the Bible about light?" A child raised his hand and answered, "I remember it, teacher. That is the story about Lord Jesus being the light of the world." "You are smart," the teacher praised her student. The teacher reached into her pocket, took a note of IDR 50,000, then put the money in front of the candlelight. She asked again, "Now, what do you see?" They answered in unison, "Money!" "Everyone needs money. Is there anyone who doesn't need money?" The teacher continued, "Now, do you still see the candlelight?" The children answered, "No" Then the teacher moved the banknotes to the back of the candle. "Well, what do you see now?" "The candlelight and the banknotes," answered a child firmly.

That is the life of a Christian that God wants from us. That doesn’t mean that Christians can't be rich people. Christians can be rich people. However, the Lord Jesus must be our priority. The cross must be in front of us, and the world must be behind us. When we put Lord Jesus first in our lives, we don't have to overwork to get rich because the Lord will give everything to us. Like the illustration above. When we put the money at the back of the candlelight, we can still see the candlelight and the money. 

Remember that the Lord Jesus is the source of our blessings. That is the reason why King Solomon told us to "Do not overwork to be rich. " (Proverbs 23:4). The Lord Jesus also commands us to "seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6: 33).

Reflection:

1. Who or what is in your heart? Wealth, power, or something else?

2. Has God come first in your heart more than everything else around you?

Application:

Let's put God first in our every activity. When we do that, God will add everything we need