What to do? What to do first? What is most important? What are our priorities? A priority is defined by Webster as “a thing that is regarded as more important than another.”

Jesus identified his proper priorities when he said, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

To seek means to “to try to obtain something from someone”(Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 564). Or “to devote serious effort to realize one’s desire or objective” (BDAG 428).

This serious effort toward the Kingdom of God is given first priority. The word “first” doesn’t have to do with a number in a sequence of things, but rather “to prominence, first, foremost, most important, most prominent (BDAG, 893).

What does that look like in reality?

• It looks like the boy Jesus in the temple discussing the Bible with amazing understanding (Lk. 2:47).
• It looks like a young man preoccupied with religious things and “forgetting” to go home (Lk. 2:49).
• It looks like men who are will to leave everything and follow Jesus (Lk. 5:11)
• It looks  like men who leave great wealth in order to follow Jesus (Lk. 5:27-28).

It looks like a man so devoted to God’s will that he would look execution in the face and pray, “My Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will but as you will” (Matt. 26:39).

What does that look like in your life?

Seeking first the kingdom of God demands a very real and very noticeable lifestyle. Individuals who follow the Lord’s command will be devoted to Bible study and personal life application (2 Tim. 2:15). These individuals are a blessing to those around them by reflecting the Gospel through their lives (Matt. 28:19-20). These individuals never miss worship assembly opportunities (Heb. 10:24-26).

We can model this life. We can follow Jesus.

Who will follow Jesus,
Standing for the right,
Holding up His banner
In the thickest fight?
Listening for His orders,
Ready to obey,
Who will follow Jesus,
Serving Him today?

Refrain

Who will follow Jesus?
Who will make reply,
I am on the Lord’s side;
Master, here am I?
Who will follow Jesus?
Who will make reply,
I am on the Lord’s side;
Master, here am I?

Who will follow Jesus,
In life’s busy ways,
Working for the Master,
Giving Him the praise;
Earnest in His vineyard,
Honoring His laws,
Faithful to His counsel,
Watchful for His cause?

Refrain

Who will follow Jesus
When the tempter charms?
Fleeing then, for safety,
To the Savior’s arms;
Trusting in His mercy,
Trusting in His power,
Seeking fresh renewals
Of His grace each hour?

Refrain

Who will follow Jesus,
In His work of love,
Leading others to Him,
Lifting prayers above?
Courage, faithful servant!
In His Word we see,
On our side forever
Will this Savior be.

D. L. DeBord