Finding The Real "Us"

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matt 6:33 NKJV)

I believe this verse may be one of the most memorized in the US because of the great Karen Lafferty chorus, "Seek Ye First". I remember that I disliked singing this song in school chapel, but I never knew that it was an actual scripture. At that time, to my great shame, I used to mock Christians and Christianity, but the song had done its work - I memorized that verse!

The truth here is simple, but I really miss the mark in my daily life. The Lord is asking us to put Him first in everything. Seek out His kingdom, His presence, His friendship, and His righteousness. Then, He will order our lives and give us the life that we ultimately desire in the bottom of our hearts.

This life won't be the ones that society tells us represents success. It may not involve riches, a big house, a fancy car, or expensive vacations. Those are the kinds of things that society uses to establish social status and bragging rights. God doesn't care about our pride - in fact, if we seek Him out, He'll break down our layers of pride by shaking up our lives in order to reveal our genuine personality.

Who are we really? We spend so much money as a country in therapy trying to find that out. But, the Lord grants us a deep peace in our hearts because He reveals our true personalities to us. When we stop seeking our own personal gratification and give the Lordship of our lives to Jesus, our focus is taken off ourselves and put onto Him. Then He'll show us the things that we need to change and gives us the ability to change them. And the person that emerges is whole - no longer trying to impress the people around them, but instead living in friendship with God, the way we were created to live.

Lord Jesus, Help me to seek You and Your righteousness first - before striving to seek out accomplishments and things that I believe will make me happy. I want You to arrange and order my life. You've already begun a good work in my soul, and I have been so blessed by it. Please keep eliminating those prideful layers that I know prevent me from living a real life of freedom in You. And thank You for being my Lord, God and friend. In Jesus' name, Amen.