We are continuing in this series, "Order In The House", which has as one of its main texts, Matthew 6:33, which says, "But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (NRSV).
One of the things we pointed out in our last discussion of Matthew 6:33, was its usage of the word "first." And with that, we saw that in our "first" is also our "last"; in other words, in striving for the kingdom of God "first", there remains no more room for the "I", but rather the "I" is consumed by the devoted pursuit of the King and His kingdom. But as we said before, we can do this with the utmost trust and confidence because God knows what need and He will add all these things to us as well.
Now in addition to the above, it bears mentioning Romans 14:17, wherein the Apostle Paul says, "For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (NRSV). Herein, we see Paul defining both what the kingdom of God is not and what the kingdom of God is. In defining what kingdom of God is not he says, "food and drink"; these things speak about our personal agendas, desires, ambitions, etc... However, in defining what the kingdom of God is he says, "righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit"; these things speak about God's agenda and desire. Therefore, in Paul's definition of the kingdom of God, we see further that the "I" has no room, and that it is not about us, but rather it is about God and what He wants. But again, as was said before, we can relinquish our will and desire to Him with the utmost trust and confidence, knowing that He knows what we need and when we need it, and that as we put Him and His kingdom "first", all these things will be given to us as well. "Order In The House."
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2 comments:
I am enriched by the exhortation and subtile correction of these blogs. I am also would like to ask if there can truly be "order" without peace? Will you share any of your revelation on order vs. peace?
Thank you for your comment and your question regarding "order" vs. "peace."
I believe true order precedes true peace and thus gives way for true peace to reign. Take Philippians 4:7 for example, wherein Paul says, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Well, in this verse we see availability of "peace"; however, it is made active until vs. 6 is done first which is, "Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Order preceded peace.
I trust that this helped in your question.
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