What does it mean to seek the Kingdom, first? And is there really any truth to it? Remarkably, there have been those who have suggested to me make God appear to them; then they would surely believe -- as though it were one’s ability to do so. Although my heart goes out to them, since I know that they are suffering, the simple truth is that no one can make God do anything (as it should be). But even so, God be with them [see Luke 16:31].
I understand that life can be tough -- down right miserable. Jesus never said it would be easy in fact, it is my strong belief that the Beatitudes were never meant for this world but are found in God’s Kingdom, Heaven. How do I know for certain? See John 12:25 and Matthew 5:1-12. So anchoring our feet deep in the sand, until God gives us our sign, might mean we better have some time on our hands. It could be awhile. God does answer prayers perhaps not in the exact way we expect, but in the way that is correct. His way. Jesus said to seek the Kingdom first and then things that are needed would follow [see Matthew 6:33].
What things? See Matthew 6:30-31. And how is that possible?
Certainly not by crawling up in the fetal position and giving up. We need to repent and give ourselves to God, admitting that we cannot do it without him. This goes beyond money and things, but for an all-around better life while we are here. For the most part, we have to make an effort; it’s the point of living. Even the prophets had to apply themselves--along with God's direction. God gave us life with the ability to learn and to make choices. We decide. And in the end, those decisions help to decide our destiny. So we need to care about those choices. God is pure righteousness -- balance. No one else could ever judge us. He is correct -- the distinct difference between good and evil. So, how do we then seek the Kingdom?
The closer we are to God -- the closer he is to us. The further we are from anything, the harder it is to communicate. We either do not choose something or we cease to choose it. If we choose to move away from him, he is further from us. Is this vindictive or a tit-for-tat? No, it is part of his pure balance. God will not go against himself; that would be hypocrisy. If God is further from us -- we have moved from him, not the other way around (the prodigal child). God loves each and every one of us. He does not want to lose even one. It has always been that simple and within our ability to have this relationship. It has always been our choice not his choice that keeps us apart [see Matthew 12:11 and John 3:16]. Where do we start?
Learn the four Gospels of the New Testament (first and completely) when God was born in human flesh. Nothing offers a more complete understanding of salvation. It is up to us; it always was. The four Gospels are the meat of the Bible -- the core, the Bread [see John 6:35]. Why is it the core? Something new occurred in an already existing plan that was known from the beginning. It was made possible only by Christ’s sacrifice -- redemption of sins, a new promise or testament was given. Then live the life by walking the talk, and when we sin, repent [see Matthew 3:2, 16:27].
As someone who specializes in behavior, and human as well, I understand that change is difficult. But it is not impossible. Choose God, stay close to him by priority of what he taught in the four Gospels. And he will help you stay strong in him. Repent when you trip and get up again.
Salvation is not a bag of magical beans or empty words [see Matthew 4:4]. Salvation isn’t belonging to an impressive church, singing lovely hymns, or paying tithes, either. If Jesus was God in human flesh, this would include every word he ever spoke. All of the words Jesus spoke; along with true repentance is where salvation can be found [see John 1:14]. How can one say they are a follower of Christ by teaching the Old Testament (to condone violence), while skimping on the four Gospels or ignoring them all together (because it’s too hard), but teaching the letters that followed (because they are easier). It literally undermines the belief in Christ. Then there are those who wonder why there is such a discord. Salvation is individual, personal, and by the truth that is within us, not by our external image (Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 23:26-28, Matthew 3:9, 12:32 and 12:50). And is another reason, how it is possible, that His kingdom is forever and ever!
Who served who? It’s like eating the icing on a cake -- but there’s no cake. What good are the letters that followed, if you don’t even know what Christ taught? Or only the Old Testament, if you don’t know the new promise that was given? It doesn’t work that way. How is that not hypocrisy? If we say we follow Christ -- then follow Christ! Do we actually think God won’t bring that up when we are before him? Therefore, can we blame it on those who teach? Although judgment is weighed heavier upon them, that won’t work, either [see Matthew 5:17 and 15:14]. In the end, it’s our responsibility. Seek the Kingdom, first -- then all else will follow. If we are close to him, he indeed hears us and is close to us. How do I know? See Exodus 16:15, John 6:49-50, and James 3:1.
They are the same. They are one [see John 10:30].
© 2009 Elizabeth Daniele
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