‘But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.’ – Matthew 6:33 (AMP).
In economics, we learned the principle of the scale of preference – the process of itemising your needs and wants in the order of necessity and prioritising the urgent needs first on the list. In our new reality in Christ, the scale of preference applies much more to our walk with God.
When we come into the kingdom of God, our desires change supernaturally. However, our natural wants and needs do not supernaturally disappear. Instead, we ought to deliberately prioritise our new desire in Christ. Our anchor text is one of God’s reminders to us to consciously put God as our first and foremost priority in life (Matthew 6:33).
In learning to prioritise God, the focus of our heart’s affection is of utmost importance. In Matthew 6:21, Our Lord Jesus Christ shows the importance of the heart in our pursuit of God, and Apostle Paul reiterates this important point in Colossians 3:1-2. To prioritise God, you have to deliberately put your mind on the things of God, constantly thinking of ways to please Him, and minding the things He would have you do. The state of our heart is far more significant in our pursuit of God. That’s why it’s essential to remain diligent in focusing our thoughts on Him (Proverbs 4:23).
Another way we show that we prioritise God is when we consider Him in all that we do. The age-long memory verse from Sunday school is a profound reminder: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV).
A key sign of loving and prioritising God is your willingness to acknowledge Him in all your plans. This is more evident in how often you reference Him in your conversations (Matthew 12:34). You have not prioritised God if He is not the basis of your decisions and actions.
Dear believer, your salvation is not an afterthought from God but a deliberate plan established from the foundation of the earth. Therefore, God should never be an afterthought in your life. He deserves to be the number one priority on your scale of preference. Let your actions and words reflect a love and affection for Him that is unmistakable to those around you. When God takes His rightful place in your life, everything else finds its proper alignment.
From today, endeavour to know, acknowledge, and recognise Him in all your ways.
Bible Reading Plan: 3 John