Flourishing and Thriving Spiritually
Today we turn our hearts and minds to a powerful verse from the Gospel of Matthew that summarizes the heart of our spiritual journey:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
This verse challenges us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else, revealing the key to spiritual flourishing. True spiritual flourishing begins when we make God’s kingdom our top priority.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus is inviting us to center our lives on His purposes. Spiritual flourishing means living with intention, aligning our actions with His values, and pursuing a righteousness that reflects His love and integrity. When we prioritize God above all else, we can let go of worry and trust Him to meet our needs, knowing He is faithful. As we seek Him first, we experience a life rooted in peace, purpose, and God’s abundant provision.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the worries and concerns of life such as what we will eat, what we will drink, and what we will wear. He is aware that these worries can consume us and lead us away from what truly matters. So, Jesus redirects our focus, urging us to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first.
When we think of “flourishing,” many images might come to mind. For some, flourishing means success, maybe even achieving dreams or finding a place in the world. But, the Bible paints a very different picture of what it means to flourish.
Flourishing, according to Jesus, is rooted in our connection to God. It is not defined by how much we have, our accomplishments, or our comfort. Instead, it is about the depth of our spiritual life and the strength of our relationship with God.
The 2ND part of Matthew 6:33 is to seek “His righteousness.”
Righteousness is not just about following rules or being morally upright. It is about living in a way that reflects God’s character, rooted in integrity, kindness, and justice. Righteousness is what happens when our hearts are aligned with God’s.
Think about a time when you chose to do the right thing even when it was not the easiest option. Maybe it was speaking the truth in a difficult situation, or showing compassion to someone who did not seem to deserve it. These are moments of righteousness where our choices reflect God’s values.
Seeking righteousness means we evaluate our lives and our decisions considering God’s character.
Am I treating people with respect?
Am I honest in my words and actions?
Am I seeking justice and mercy in the way I live?
When we live in righteousness, we don’t just follow a list of rules. When we live in righteousness, we are walking in a relationship with God, allowing His Spirit to transform us from the inside out.
What is the promise of Matthew 6:33?
The promise in Matthew 6:33 is that “all these things will be added to you” when we seek God first.
Jesus does not promise a life without challenges, but He does promise that we will have everything we need. When we make God’s kingdom our focus, we can release our worries over daily needs. We can let go of our anxieties and fears over all the things coming at us. We can trust that God sees us, He knows us, and He will provide.
Consider for a moment someone who faced a financial need, unsure of how they would make ends meet. Instead of panicking or overworking, they turned to God, asking Him to provide. And God did, perhaps in an unexpected way—a gift from a friend, a new job opportunity, or simply the peace to trust Him through a difficult season. This is what it means to trust God to meet our needs. When we place Him first, we can let go of fear and let God take care of the rest.
The beauty of God’s promise is that flourishing spiritually covers every aspect of our lives.
When we thrive spiritually by seeking God first, we can experience peace, fulfillment, and joy that surpasses our earthly circumstances.
Commit to spending intentional time with God every day. Whether through prayer, worship, or studying His Word, make it a priority to seek His presence. Begin each morning by surrendering your plans to Him, asking for His wisdom and guidance.
Let us remember that seeking God is not a one-time decision. It is a daily commitment to place Him at the center of our lives. Flourishing starts with a heart set on Him. As we pursue His kingdom, we will experience the abundant life He promises. Together, as individuals and as a church, let us seek Him first and watch as He builds a foundation in us that cannot be shaken.
One In Christ Church - Pastor Vameng Pha
January 5, 2025