Mensa Otabil - First Things First (10/01/2025)
Matthew chapter 6, verse 33: «But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.» Because of all the challenges that 2020 presented to us, many of us are seeing 2021 as a year to recover everything that was lost in 2020, and that is great. We have grand ideas and grand visions, but we have to know how to place first things first.
What should be the most important thing that we seek this year? In setting our goals for the year and establishing our vision, we have to determine what our priorities are. What should be the first thing we do, and what should be the second? Here, Jesus tells us that although all the things we need in life are necessary, we must seek first the kingdom of God.
It’s like learning the alphabet; no matter how late you are in learning to read and write in school, you may have gone to school in your later years, but you still have to start with A, B, C. If you want to learn numerals, you’re also going to start with one, two, three; you can’t start with more complex algebra without that foundation. The same applies: no matter how much you’ve lost in life, you still have to set your goals with the right things done first. The first thing we do in setting up priorities as Christians is to seek first the kingdom of God.
So, we must determine what is most important to us in 2021; in our goal setting, it is the kingdom of God. The question is: how do we set our priorities with the kingdom of God? How does the kingdom of God become number one in our lives? By the way, when Jesus says, «Seek first the kingdom of God,» He doesn’t say, «Seek only the kingdom of God.» He says, «Seek first.» First implies that there will be second, third, and fourth. The first in line is the kingdom of God, but all other things must also be prioritized in our lives in sequence and order.
Just a couple of things to help us start right this year: first, we have to spend time with God daily. Many people refer to this as having a quiet time, a devotional, or prayer time—time to study the Bible and time to pray. Whatever you call it, make time for a daily connection with God. It doesn’t have to take all your time, but prioritize it and determine that you will spend time with God every day.
Secondly, you have to prioritize sharing the word of God with someone else. Tell somebody about Jesus Christ. Share the power of God to help them be saved, to be healed, and to receive assistance. Third, prioritize serving God with your time and talents. We give time to so many things, like television and football, but often cut back when it comes to God. If you’re going to seek first the kingdom of God, then make time for God, serving with your time, talents, and gifts. Don’t use your gifts solely for your job to earn an income; also use your gifts, talents, and skills to serve God and in the house of God. Find a place in church where your gifts are needed.
Number four: support the work of God financially. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. If you really love God, your treasure—your finances—must also be involved in the work of God. Seek first, prioritize God, and all the other things will fall into place. These are simple steps, but they can help you significantly this year as you set big goals for yourself.
Let’s share a word of prayer together. Say with me: «Heavenly Father, You are the priority of my life. I set my heart to seek You first in all that I do. In Jesus' name, Amen.»
If you get the first things right, the rest will follow. All other things will be added to you. I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom, peace, and life to you.