A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

FIRST THINGS FIRST      

Matthew 6:33 “ But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  

First things first is a saying that has been around a long time. Its basic meaning is one should do the things that are most important before doing other things. In today’s devotional verse Jesus spoke about what to do first. He said “seek first (God’s) kingdom and (God’s) righteousness. . .”   

The choices you have today are endless. What is important, Jesus said, is you need to have your priorities in order. There are important choices for you to make. The most important, Jesus says, is those that revolve around your spiritual life. All the rest pale in comparison to your relationship with your heavenly Father through Jesus Christ His Son your Lord and Savior.  

On another occasion, Jesus asked, “. . . what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Mark 8:37) The priority of your soul is number one because it is an eternal one. The priorities that revolve around the things of the here and now will at best be here today and gone tomorrow. On the other hand, having faith in Jesus Christ and through Him in Almighty God endures forever. 

St. Paul exhorts, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17) St. Paul further encourages, “I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2)  

For you, a Christian, the first and most important priority is your relationship with your heavenly Father through Jesus Christ His son. It alone is the priority that has eternal importance. Everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life.  

Prayer: Help me Lord ever day to keep my priorities in order for Jesus’ sake. Amen. 

Let me be Thine forever, My faithful God and Lord;  
Let me forsake Thee never Nor wander from Thy Word.  
Lord, do not let me waver, But give me steadfastness,  
And for such grace forever Thy holy name I’ll bless. 

Lord Jesus, my salvation, My light, my life divine,  
My only consolation, O make me wholly Thine!  
For Thou hast dearly bought me With blood and bitter pain.  
Let me, since Thou hast sought me, Eternal life obtain. 

And Thou, O holy Spirit, My comforter and guide,  
Grant that in Jesus’ merit I always may confide,  
Him to the end confessing Whom I have known by faith.  
Give me Thy constant blessing And grant a Christian death.  

Let Me Be Thine Forever - LSB 689