Seek Ye First

Matthew 6:33

It is such an astounding promise—

Seek the kingdom of God, and all these things will added to you…

No wonder it sits front and center in many a “prosperity gospel” sermon—you know the type, come to Jesus, and if you behave, he will give you everything and anything you want—if you behave…But Jesus was no preacher of prosperity, but was instead a proclaimer of self-emptying love that sacrifices itself daily for the benefit of all. He was the Servant Lord. So, his statement means something we might not readily see.

The first thing we need to consider is what exactly the kingdom of God means.

The first thing to consider there is that “of God.” That simple prepositional phrase immediately drops parameters around what is being said. It sets the center, and that center is God. Our practice of faith is first and foremost an expression of the sovereignty of God. In our summer Bible study, I have jokingly reminded the class that if ever anyone begins to quiz them on basic Reformed theology, the right answer is always, “God’s in charge!,” no matter what the question might be! And it is one of the truest dogmas in our faith stream—God is in charge—the world and all that is within it comes from God; we are the handiwork of God with specific God-given purpose to serve God, leading others into God’s presence; and, so, all we are, all we have, and all we do is in the presence of God and should further God’s purpose for us and creation.

And what is that purpose? That created all that is in an act of love—God chose to create something that could be in relationship to God. As God completed the created order, God declared all that was made “good”, and us, “very good.” So as we make our way through life, we can begin to assess words and actions. Do they communicate to others their goodness in the eyes of God? Do they work to further and preserve the providence of God that makes life possible and enjoyable? Do they work to bring people together, reconciling differences and eliminating the pain of anger, dismissal, and division? To know whether or not we are accomplishing what we need to accomplish, we look to Jesus, our teacher and guide. Do our words and actions correspond with his words and actions as he met the world? 

Now we can begin to go a little deeper and at the same time step right into the heart of real life.

School started this week. Our children and young people are once again navigating the interactions of school—finding friends, creating communities within school, engaging in learning (not all of it the lessons in class), pursuing interests, and generally diving into life head on. Are we helping them? There is no single answer or option for doing so. Each of us has before us an open slate of ways to engage. We might help out at school, becoming a parent volunteer or tutor. We might find out what the teachers need in the classroom they do not get from the school itself. We might simply be sure we check in with our students each afternoon. Those of us out of the loop can become more alert when the school buses are running. We can support our schools by participating when the neighborhood kids come around with the fundraisers. We can adopt a teacher. We can adopt a school. 

So the list spools out, but the standard remains the same no matter how we choose to participate—are we revealing the love flowing from God as we engage? Are we furthering God’s purposes for those children, teachers, families, and so on? Are we helping the kingdom of God manifest in and around them all?

Now, hopefully, we are a bit more clear on that kingdom Jesus tells us to seek. Let’s move to the “these things” he mentions being added to us.

Rather obviously, Jesus does not mean that if we become a good helper in the start of the school year, miraculously a million dollars will drop into our bank account. Instead, the benefits he sees coming are far more existential and essential to our lives as persons. 

What might those be?

First, connection. Something I think we undervalue in our society is the essential nourishment of mind and heart that comes through connection to other people. We live in a place defined by the mythology of the self-made victor, but Jesus leads us in the totally opposite direction. Our greatest strength comes, he says, when we recognize our interdependence. Actually helping others makes us more full. Giving brings wholeness to our being. Work with a child, helping them unravel a mystery in a lesson, watching the joy burst when they “get it,” and then you will feel real and present joy yourself. The connection brings it.

Second, meaning. So often, we blunder about wondering why stuff happens, what we are supposed to be doing, and not feeling any sense of direction leading us. Routines become ruts. But if we practice connection, purpose leaps out from the page—we are here to help—that simple, that basic, and that powerful. This is why we are here!

Third, peace. The more people become connected to one another in truly meaningful ways, the more they are able to coexist—you are important, without you, I lose something, so I will work to keep us together. I will give of myself. That will allow you to give to me. I hear this a lot from teachers—real joy comes in learning from students as they teach them. There is a back-and-forth that feeds everybody in the best classrooms. Classrooms that have such atmosphere rarely have disciplinary disruptions for the simple reason that everybody wants to be there. Imagine if neighborhoods, nations, and the world could practice such togetherness!

So, we begin to see that “all these things” are again manifestations of God’s grace, compassion, and presence. This is our true wealth, the exciting richness of being in the presence of God. 

Now take this clarity into the world. 

Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you.