‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

What does it mean to seek to understand? It means to really listen before we form a thought, an opinion, or a response. Author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey says, “Seek first to understand, then be understood.” With this in mind, I want us to really be intentional with listening to God and those He presents in our pathways. Let’s seek God first and listen to Him before we respond. An inaction is also an action so even if we don’t verbally or physically respond, our thoughts and opinions can affect our heart posture. Let’s ask ourselves if our thoughts are Christlike.

In today’s key verse we are told that if we seek God first and all “these” things will be given to us. What are “these” things Matthew is referring to? Take a moment to read the full passage in Matthew 6:25-34 NIV. He is talking about worry. As a water walker, I encourage us to seek to understand when we are stepping out. Often we fall short with worry because we do not see the whole picture, but God does. As we step out today, let’s be kingdom seekers and seek to understand His Righteousness and all that He has to offer us outside of our boats. This leads me to my mantra for 2024, “Be a Kingdom Seeker.”

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the opportunity to think and understand before I respond to You and to others through my thoughts, responses, and actions. Lead me deeper in my Christian faith by being a Kingdom Seeker. Help me to step out of my boat when you present an opportunity. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.