Seek First

Today’s society is obsessed with success. Phrases like “I’m chasing my bag” are envied and revered. Especially in this generation, being single-mindedly focused on getting more money, buying expensive things and sharing your successes with the world is defined as “making it”. There has never been as much pressure for us to “succeed” as there is now and while I agree that hard work and determination are important I completely reject the narrative that that’s all there is to life.

As the world evolves, fads and trends are always varying. What people deem important changes from appearance to money to fame and power and it’s sure to continue changing. This is why I feel it’s so important to know who we are and what we value before we chase what the world says is important. Nowadays, because of the internet and social media, we are more connected than ever to complete strangers. We can peep directly into the lives of others and because of this, we’re more prone to compare ourselves and see our lack according to what others have. I know I’m guilty of looking at social media influencers and thinking that I’m not doing as well or as much as someone else. However, I always forget that that person has picked and chosen what they wanted me to see. They selected their best pictures and their most awesome achievements to share. Regardless, in that moment, all I can see is the yawning gap between their accomplishments and my unsuccess.

Mathew 31-33(NIV) says, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” What I’ve learned is, as believers, we are held to a completely different standard from the people of the world. We cannot be expected to tick both checkboxes. The world’s self-serving attitude is the absolute opposite of God’s charge to His people to serve Him and others first. The message imposed on us by people daily is to please ourselves: “make yourself happy, put yourself first, care for yourself, love yourself, be selfish”. It’s overwhelming. How can you be selfish and still serve others? How can you put yourself first while putting the LORD first? You’re only able to do one or the other. This isn’t to discount the importance of appreciating and truly loving who you are, that’s definitely important because you’re God’s creation too. But this concept should not be blown out of proportion and twisted into something malignant to suit the world’s purposes.

As Matthew 6:24 says, you cannot serve two masters because you’ll inevitably end up despising one and obeying the other. The world’s standards are based on finite, material things, and the more these stray from Jesus - the Light - the more people stumble in the darkness. It’s tiring to chase after the trends of the world. Things that are cool today are gone tomorrow, the latest phones, clothes and cars go out of style so quickly; the things you think you need vanish as fast as vapour. So why chase after them?

I implore you to seriously evaluate yourself. You’ll be surprised to find out how many of your desires aren’t even really yours but are influenced by the fleeting opinions of the world. Don’t fall into that trap, don’t let your unique identity and purpose fashioned by God Himself, be swallowed up by the ravenous appetite of the world. God’s endeavours are fulfilling and eternal; when you walk in the light, in the path where God is your Guide, things are natural and easy. You innately know that you’re following the trustworthy One. God is the only one you can trust to keep His promises; if He tells you He will give you success, rest assured He will. Seek first His kingdom and aim to learn the truth which can only be found in Him. I can guarantee you that whatever you are searching for in the world cannot be found there. From God alone comes peace, joy, love, fulfilment, success and whatever else you need and want. When you tune out the world’s white noise you will discover that all the material things you’ve been pursuing are superficial and that true rest is found in Him.

I understand that it’s difficult to disconnect from the business of the world and reconnect with God. As social media and technology become more integral in our world it’s hard to let go of them and even when we do it’s easy to backslide. The hardest part of anything is starting though, once you strike a balance it gets easier and more routine. There are little things you can do to ensure that God is the King of your heart always. Ask Him for strength, only He can help you abstain and feed your spirit so that you are content. You don’t have to do it all at once, follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. You can try deleting Instagram for a few days, dedicating the first moments of your day to God instead of Youtube. Watching your favourite pastor instead of Netflix: make sure that the master of your heart and mind is the LORD and that He is your Influencer.

Finally, stop comparing yourself and your life to those of people who have nothing to do with you. Most times it doesn’t inspire you but instead makes you doubt yourself and your abilities. You are one in seven billion people and you are one of a kind. The mould that others force onto you will never fit right so decide to live in God’s will for you instead, He’ll take you to heights you can never reach on your own. Resolve today to stop letting the world take any more of your time and energy - focus your heart and mind on the things of the LORD. He has your best interests at heart and He will give you all your desires if you follow him completely. I pray in Jesus’ name that He will help you to fixate your gaze on Him and His kingdom so He can guide you to His perfect purpose.