Faith Questions with Christi Given: ‘I Don't Know Where I'm Headed..Does Righteousness Matter?’
I want to help answer some questions you may have about living out your Christian life and walk of faith! Recently, someone asked me about a Bible verse that says, “Seek first the Kingdom and His Righteousness and all those things will be added unto you...” She said, “I Don't Know Where I'm Headed..Does Righteousness Matter?’ Referencing the book of Matthew chapter 6, verse 33.
This person asked about her future and wanted to know how she can figure out what God has called her to do and also asked if her decisions really matter.
"So 'Seek ye first the kingdom of God…” I think that's what I’m doing, but I still don’t have a direction. I haven’t found my calling like something I feel that I am really drawn to...I know we all have a calling, but mine is not really something that I know. I know once I really seek him everything will fall into place. I thought I have been. Maybe I’ve been seeking what God has for me and not God himself. So how do I seek the kingdom more, not lean on my own understanding, and really let go and let God put the pieces together?"
Excellent question, and what an important concern for your life. I'm impressed you have written this and are strong in your faith! So awesome.
The first thing I want to address is that yes, righteousness matters and this verse in Matthew 6 is true. We will be held accountable for our actions, behavior, and lifestyle. Of course Jesus is our personal Savior and righteousness, but it is not okay to intentionally and willfully disobey. Amen?
If we delight in the Lord and His Kingdom, everything will fall into its proper place... the pre-condition (which requires participation) is that when we delight in The Lord, obey and honor Him (genuinely) and put God first THEN He will give us the desires of our hearts. (Psalm 34)
This isn't easy and each person's journey of faith looks different but we need to ask and seek God daily. It is a faith walk that will unfold season by season, which is not easy but God is faithful to provide when you obey Him. Read the full chapter of Deuteronomy 28 to understand how God plans to bless His people when we honor Him. Of course, life doesn't happen always as planned or in our timing but God will come through. He never fails us, so you can trust in Him and bank on His promises.
"If (pre-condition), you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country..." -Deuteronomy 28:1-3
See the pre-condition is "if" you obey. What does obedience look like? Obviously we all sin and we all need forgiveness and need to repent but a life of obedience is a life of surrender, worship, and honestly asking God HIS plan for our life. We need to look at what He has gifted us in and finding a need in our local church home.
How can you figure out your calling? First start with serving in your church home, helping with your youth group, or ask your Parents or family if you can bring something to the table. Ask your church if they need help or volunteers. Do you like to bake, sing, or babysit? Do you dream of being a teacher, nurse, doctor, actress, or missionary? Whatever your dream, God placed that gift and desire in your heart... But for HIS glory and divine purposes. It is important to live a life of service and building up God’s Kingdom.
The Bible says, GOD WILL SHARE HIS GLORY WITH NO MAN. (Isaiah 42:8) Of course there are careers that don't have Pastoral titles or ministry positions but wherever you are you can be a light and minister. You just need to find your gifting. The sacrifice, hard work and eagerness to serve God in your talents will pay off and you will eventually see the fruit.
"I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols." -Isaiah 42:8
Sometimes we think we want to do it "our" way, just like Sinatra and Elvis Presley sang, "I Did It My Way," but honestly God's way is beyond what you can imagine. I know from personal experience. (Ephesians 3:20)
If you are in your youth, have someone you admire who is older and wiser that you can reach out to and talk to them if possible. See if you can glean from an older person’s wisdom (like a mentor) or ask a teacher, Parent or youth Pastor for advice in how to achieve the goals you desire in a similar career path. Be realistic, patient and also hopeful. Nothing happens overnight, in fact most successful careers or ministries and legacies are built one brick at a time with much unseen labor.
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..." -Zechariah 4:10
"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." -Luke 16:10
Do you want to know what the Bible says is God's will for you? It says that His perfect will is when we are thankful and worship Him. We were created to honor, praise, thank and worship The Lord. When we are out of His will we lose our peace and our joy... Let us genuinely seek Him wholeheartedly and let us humble ourselves to find out God's plan.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will..." -Romans 12:2
"...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." -1 Thessalonians 5:18
What do you think readers? Does this help you regarding living a life of faith and finding or living out your calling? Comment below!
