“A soft answer turneth away wrath: But grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: But the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Beholding the evil and the good. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: But perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. A fool despiseth his father's instruction: But he that regardeth reproof is prudent. In the house of the righteous is much treasure: But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: But the heart of the foolish doeth not so. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: But the prayer of the upright is his delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: But he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: And he that hateth reproof shall die. Hell and destruction are before the LORD: How much more then the hearts of the children of men?”
Proverbs 15:1-11 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.15.1-11.KJV
First Things First
There are plenty of things in life that beg for our attention. Our days are filled with relationships and responsibilities, all of which take time.
In Jesus’ famous sermon in Matthew 6, He spends some time talking about the various things we give our attention to. He explains that instead of spending all of our time and energy worrying about our basic need and desires in life, we should first seek His kingdom and His righteousness. If we do that, everything else will fall into place.
So, what does it mean to seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness?
God’s kingdom is about God’s rule and reign over all of creation. His kingdom was unleashed during Jesus’ ministry on earth, and is now growing and expanding throughout the global Church. The work of the kingdom is to continue to tell others about the hope of Jesus, and to teach everything that Jesus has commanded.
To seek God’s righteousness is to desire to live the way God intended. It's to live according to God’s...