In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” As we are walking through a series of lessons about believing God’s plan for the family on Sunday mornings, it is important that we always keep God first. According to Jesus, God’s righteousness and kingdom should always be at the center of our households and families. How can we do that? How can we make that thought a reality within our own homes and lives? What does it look like for our families to seek Him first?
First, we must love the Lord as individuals. As Deuteronomy 6:5 teaches, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” In order to keep God first in our families, we must keep God first in our individual lives. We can go through the motions. We can make everything look really good on the outside. We can talk the talk, but are we walking the walk? In order for my family unit to love God, I must live my life every day in relationship with Him.
Second, there must be a focus on the word of God. God wants us to “know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 8:3). When decisions are made within the household, the first thought should be to look to the Bible. In order to keep God first, families need to have intentional spiritual conversations and devotional time that is set apart. The teaching from God’s word must be reinforced by the decisions that we make.
Third, there must be time spent in prayer. In Colossians 4:2, we are told, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Isn’t it awesome that families can enter into God’s throne room together through Jesus at any time? Thank God for each other and the blessings of the day. Invite God into the details of the moment. Ask God to be with those who you know of that are struggling. This will draw the family closer together and closer to God at the same time!
Fourth, there must be a focus on Christian life, growth, and development. In 2 Peter 3:18, we are told, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Within the family, Christian virtues are to be upheld and celebrated. Just like we establish goals for everything else in our lives, we must set spiritually focused goals for our families. Where will your family be spiritually in six months? One year? Five years? What kind of goals can we set? How can we practically work towards those goals?
Fifth, there needs to be involvement in Christian service. In Mark 10:45, “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” What are ways that I can get my family involved in serving others? In order to keep God first in the family, we cannot just think about the family. There must also be an emphasis on serving people. We will not properly love God if we are not loving our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). Be creative. Small things can have a great impact.
Sixth, the family must be committed to regular, faithful attendance and involvement in Christ’s church. As Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” “Are we going to worship today?” should never be a question anyone in the household has to ask (as long as everyone is able and healthy). Worship and fellowship should never be optional but should always take priority over other things that might be happening. In order to keep God first, families not only come to worship; they are active, involved, and engaged within the church family. As Jesus said, we seek God’s kingdom first. In order to be connected to the head (Jesus Christ), we must be active parts of the body (the church) (Ephesians 1:22-23).
While there is a lot more that we could say here, I hope that these thoughts are helpful and encouraging to keep God first in our lives and families. Let’s seek Him first!
-Tyler Alverson
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