Seek First the Kingdom and Righteousness

Matthew 6:33 (New International Version)33"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." I remember one day waking up and seeing this scripture differently than I previously had. I had always been a man who was seeking the kingdom of heaven but I wasn't necessarily seeking his righteousness. I find many Christians today who will tell me that the things they do are OK with the Lord. They listen to what they want, eat and drink what they want and then wonder why they are in the condition they are in. I'm not one to be restrictive and trust me when I say I have to protect myself in these areas as well. I judge no one. Then that day I started seeking God's righteousness. I started spending more time in the word (the bible), I started praying more consistently and I started placing more order in my life. That's what "seeking his righteousness" will do for you. Despite the fact we aren't perfect we can have excellence in our life. Dictionary.com has a note on righteousness which is,"Note: Righteousness, as used in Scripture and theology, in which it chiefly occurs, is nearly equivalent to holiness, comprehending holy principles and affections of heart, and conformity of life to the divine law." That note is what I am trying to convey. To conform to God's way of living and not the world's. I believe it is something for me to reach for and consistently do. I also believe it is possible to daily attain, but only if we seek it. Please read this and understand God is a loving faithful forgiving God. So when I don't attain or walk in the righteousness God intended; I know that is still available for me. It's available for us all. So today don't just seek his kingdom; seek his righteousness too. Howard's Helpful Hint: Centered people learn to seek the wholeness of God in their relationship with him.