Seeking God's Kingdom above all else

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I came across a reference to this familiar verse this morning in my quiet time.  I then asked the Lord to reveal to me what that means - how to do this in my daily life.  He brought another Scripture to mind:

"...for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."  Romans 14:17

It really whittles it down very practically.

If what I am seeking at any given moment is righteous, keeps me in God's peace, brings me His joy, then I am seeking His Kingdom in that moment!

On the other hand, if what I am seeking leads me to idolatry, or anxiety, or any other fleshly thing, then in that moment, I am not seeking His Kingdom - putting Him first.

As Christians, we do both of these on any given day.  Our flesh is constantly waging war against the Spirit.

It comes down to choice.  Will we choose to seek Him first - His righteousness, His peace, His joy - and in so doing enter into His Kingdom right here and how - or will we choose another "kingdom?"

When you see it as two different kingdoms - one ruled by Christ and the other ruled by the flesh, world, or devil (yuck!) - it's like bringing a blurry picture into focus.

We choose.  We reap.

One Kingdom offers us joy and peace - the very Presence of Christ and all He is.  Wow!

The other kingdom offers us temporary pleasure and excitement, but leaves us empty and dry.  Hollow.  

These never fail - one always produces one thing and one always produces the other.

The enemy of our souls would have us believe that he provides peace and joy, but what he offers are disappointing counterfeits, really.

Only Christ and His Kingdom within us offer true peace and joy and righteousness.  And that is what our souls really crave because that is what they are made for.

Which will you choose this day?

Oh Lord.  I often seek the wrong kingdom without even realizing.  Afterwards, I am left dry and empty.  I pray that You give me wisdom in the moment as to which kingdom I am choosing!  And empower me to always choose Your everlasting, beautiful, peace-filled, joyful Kingdom.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

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