“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” - Mathew 6:33 (NIV).
Among certain circles, the words Christ used to rebuke Satan who had just been tempted with wealth for worshiping him, have often been used to claim this was the vey motive for bringing Christianity to Africa. Evidence abounds to see that European colonists after seizing the land of those they conquered, curiously would teach them to look up to God. But this was certainly an abuse of what Christ meant. No where did the Lord command his followers to seize territories, and then offer to them faith in him to justify loss of their property. These colonists were just plain day light robbers twisting the words of Christ for their gain.
On the contrary, the meaning of these words is that when we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, there is reveled knowledge that the Lord passes on to us, and from which all wealth flows. King Solomon came to experience great wealth after seeking wisdom first from the Lord. “The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this…I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings” (1 Kings 3:10-13).
Just as with Solomon, when we seek the Lord first, he opens doors for us by blessing us with knowledge that can help us enhance our wealth. For instance, the Lord may create for us opportunities as we see he did for Abraham. “The Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, “Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever” (Genesis 13:14-15).
Wealth acquisition that does not honor God first can come with misfortune. For example the beneficiary may be inflated with pride. This is what happened with Nebuchadnezzar who pumped up decided a statute be raised in his honor (Daniel 3:1-25). He forgot that it is the Lord who had enabled him and would end up chewing grass like cattle (Daniel 4:25-35).
Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” When we seek the Lord first, we reap multiple blessings, that enable us live and enjoy wealth in peace and comfort.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray that I seek you first, as the giver of wisdom, to create everlasting wealth, built and rooted in you, this I pray in Jesus’s name.
