Seeking God first …

It seems C.H. Spurgeon used the phrase 'What Would Jesus Do' in quotation marks several times in a sermon he gave on June 28, 1891, and attributed it to a book written in Latin by Thomas à Kempis, 'The Imitation of Christ'.  It was made famous in the nineties by a youth group leader from Michigan, USA, and it spread worldwide among Christian youth, who wore bracelets bearing the initials WWJD.  Our sons and their friends also used to wear these WWJD bands in the nineties!  I believe understanding the concept of 'WWJD' would help us know what it means to seek God first in our lives!

'Seek God first' is a cliché we hear often in the Christian circles.  Some leaders encourage the youth to neglect studies and attend prayer sessions, saying that if they 'seek' God first, God will give them good grades.  Nothing can be far from the truth!  The Bible says, "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the LORD" (Prov. 21:31).  We are asked to prepare diligently but depend on God for victory!  'First,' in this verse, Matthew 6:33, does not mean 'first' in time; that is, seek the Kingdom first, and then seek other things.  Read the Bible first, pray first, tithe first, and then seek other things!  If we make it as first in time, we make it into a compartment.  Finish all the religious activities like Bible reading and praying first, and then enjoy life just as you please!  I believe that is not what Jesus meant.  

Jesus said that what we eat, drink, or wear should not be our focus; instead, we should replace worry with concern for the Kingdom of God.  The question we have to answer here is about my focus today.   Is my focus on making more money and building bigger barns (Luke 12:16-21) or living to bring Glory to God and fulfill His purpose for my life?  Jesus said God's Kingdom should be the passion in our life, our most pressing priority every day, everywhere, and in everything in our life.  By wearing the armband WWJD, we are encouraged to ask the question and answer it in every issue we face!  That is how we can seek God first in our daily lives!  Seeking God first is choosing the Kingdom values over worldly wisdom in every issue; thus, it covers our whole life.  David Guzik says we honor God and seek the Kingdom of God first by being good spouses, students, and workers!

My friend, seeking God first begins with knowing God's mind, which comes only by studying His Word and prayer.  But it does not stop there!  It covers every aspect of our lives.  At every choice or decision, ask yourself WWJD and choose to do that.  That is 'Seeking God first' in your life.  May the Lord always help us seek Him first.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me submit to Your authority in every decision and choice I make today so that my life will bring glory to You alone.  Amen.

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