Keeping Our Priorities Straight: Seeking the Kingdom First

 

Keeping Our Priorities Straight

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." – Matthew 6:33

   Keeping our priorities straight means placing God first in every area of life. When priorities are aligned, life flows. Affirm this truth: I keep my priorities straight by putting God first in my life. The focus remains on the kingdom, not on things. The kingdom is the cake; things are simply the icing. When icing becomes the focus, imbalance follows. Chaos, confusion, contention, sickness, pain, dysfunction, lack, limitation, and scarcity all signal that priorities need realignment.

   God must remain at the center. As kingdom citizens, everything and everyone else revolves around that divine center. Priorities are revealed through the first thought, the first word spoken, and the first action taken. In the story of Elijah and the widow, the brook dries up, the ravens stop bringing food, and Elijah receives instructions to go to Zarephath. There he encounters a widow gathering sticks with only a little oil and a little meal. She plans to make one final cake for herself and her son and then die.

   Elijah tells her, "Make me a cake first." She obeys, and something extraordinary happens. The oil does not fail. The meal does not run out. Provision flows, abundance increases, and lack is interrupted.

   Firstly: The Lens of Literature

   Some approach this text through a literary lens, seeing issues of sexism, classism, or exploitation. From this view, the prophet appears to take advantage of a woman in economic distress. When Scripture is treated solely as literature, debates arise that produce little spiritual fruit.

   Secondly: The Lens of Literalism

   Others read the story literally, believing the widow neglected her own needs and her child’s survival to serve a religious figure. This interpretation has led to misuse and imbalance, encouraging people to neglect their homes and responsibilities. Literalism ignores context, culture, language, and spiritual symbolism.

   Thirdly: The Lens of Life Application

   The life-application lens reveals the deeper truth. The widow was not putting Elijah first, she was putting God first, whom Elijah represented. This shift in priority interrupted the cycle of lack, limitation, scarcity, and death.

   This final cake did not have to be the end. Elijah introduced a new way of being: do something different. Giving from faith opens the door for more. Scripture confirms, “Give, and it shall be given unto you… pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” Holding tightly restricts flow; generous, heartfelt giving expands consciousness and breaks poverty cycles.

   Conclusion

   Embrace the life application: When God comes first, this does not have to be the last. Seek first the kingdom and God’s righteousness, and everything else will be added.

   Put God first in thoughts, words, and actions the three T’s. Give from belief, not obligation. Live as empowered kingdom citizens, aligned with divine order and open to abundant life.

📖 Reflection: Where might God be asking you to realign your priorities so that life can flow more freely?

💡 Action Step: Today, intentionally put God first in one thought, one word, and one action—and observe what begins to shift.