This post is inspired from a movie called Wasted Oil, a Nigerian Gospel movie that I am currently watching as I type.
"...And seek the Kingdom of God first, and righteousness, and all other things will be added unto you"
The word and is used in a place of succession similar to then, thereafter, afterwards, so that- these are words and phrases used to describe what will come in the latter, a consequence of an action.
It's usual to misinterpret this verse as the word and has been replaced mentally with the likes of as, whilst, during- words that show simultaneity.
Think of carts attached to horses. A cart is not pushed forward by the horses muzzle, instead, it is drawn from behind the horse's saddle. The cartwright has designed it that the cart will be (nearly) impossible to move if pushed forward.
And so it is for us; consequences do not come before actions. Deuteronomy 8:1 "Obey faithfully... so that you may live" There is always a prerequisite for what is going to be received.
Even if you are being given something for free, you need open hands to collect and use it.
So for all of us who want all these good things to be added unto us (and that's everyone, I hope!) , it must be for the Kingdom of God. It is then they will be provided for you. Please, don't try to gain these things instead of seeking the will of God, and beware of seeking them as well as God will, it is already in God's will and promised to us!
Like Mr. Jude in my movie, efforts to place the cart before the horse are really frustrating.
Deuteronomy 8:
"6 So then, do as the Lord has commanded you: live according to his laws and obey him.7 The Lord your God is bringing you into a fertile land—a land that has rivers and springs, and underground streams gushing out into the valleys and hills;8 a land that produces wheat and barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and honey.9 There you will never go hungry or ever be in need. Its rocks have iron in them, and from its hills you can mine copper.10 You will have all you want to eat, and you will give thanks to the Lord your God for the fertile land that he has given you"
There are promises, but they come with the previous actions.
"...And seek the Kingdom of God first, and righteousness, and all other things will be added unto you"
The word and is used in a place of succession similar to then, thereafter, afterwards, so that- these are words and phrases used to describe what will come in the latter, a consequence of an action.
It's usual to misinterpret this verse as the word and has been replaced mentally with the likes of as, whilst, during- words that show simultaneity.
Think of carts attached to horses. A cart is not pushed forward by the horses muzzle, instead, it is drawn from behind the horse's saddle. The cartwright has designed it that the cart will be (nearly) impossible to move if pushed forward.
And so it is for us; consequences do not come before actions. Deuteronomy 8:1 "Obey faithfully... so that you may live" There is always a prerequisite for what is going to be received.
Even if you are being given something for free, you need open hands to collect and use it.
So for all of us who want all these good things to be added unto us (and that's everyone, I hope!) , it must be for the Kingdom of God. It is then they will be provided for you. Please, don't try to gain these things instead of seeking the will of God, and beware of seeking them as well as God will, it is already in God's will and promised to us!
Like Mr. Jude in my movie, efforts to place the cart before the horse are really frustrating.
Deuteronomy 8:
"6 So then, do as the Lord has commanded you: live according to his laws and obey him.7 The Lord your God is bringing you into a fertile land—a land that has rivers and springs, and underground streams gushing out into the valleys and hills;8 a land that produces wheat and barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and honey.9 There you will never go hungry or ever be in need. Its rocks have iron in them, and from its hills you can mine copper.10 You will have all you want to eat, and you will give thanks to the Lord your God for the fertile land that he has given you"
There are promises, but they come with the previous actions.
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