If you have ever bought something requiring instructions that have need of assembling, then you have no doubt discovered a section with the instructions entitled, “Quick Start.” Frankly, I must be honest and confess that I look first for the shortcut approach, because usually, I do not have the discipline, nor the desire to read through the longer version. Okay, maybe I am a little attention challenged, but I will pray about it…
In the meantime, let us consider the scripture reading from the Book of Matthew. Perhaps God had someone like me (or you) in mind when He instructed Matthew to write, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…(emphasis mine)” Many people claim to have read The Bible, who also say, that while it is inspiring, they believe the content to be allegorical and words written by mere flawed men, rather than the inspired infallible Word of God written down by fallible men (2 Timothy 3:16). Two principles are at play here: (1) anyone can read the Bible from cover to cover and still come to the end, missing the simple, yet deeply rooted meaning and purpose of discovering God; or (2) anyone can take the “Quick Start” approach, “Seeking God first,” and trusting Him to make His instructions clear, as one reads and ultimately chooses to study the Bible, knowing God is in the details.
Finding God is rooted in the human heart that longs to know God. Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God came into the world to lead the Way to the Father. Everything Jesus did on earth exemplified the love of God; He purposely sought out simple people as His followers, rather than the scholarly. Why? Because God is approachable to all people, who will “seek Him first,” not only to those who are well read. Oh, yes, Jesus also spent a lot of time in the synagogue, trying to reach the teachers of the Law, the Torah, which were the only Scriptures that existed at that time (when I get to heaven one day, I hope to find Nicodemus sitting at the feet of Jesus, read John 3:1-21).
After the resurrection, Jesus spent forty days showing Himself to those who sought Him. Friend, will you “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness?” Because if you do, then “all these things shall be added to you.” What are “all these things?” I am so glad you asked! Please read Matthew 6:1-24 for the Complete Instruction Version.
