Matthew 6:33a tells us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (ESV).

For 2024, I had goals; however, I found biblical wisdom that reminded me of something far better.

I noticed God’s Word to Baruch: “Should you then seek great things for yourself? Seek them not…” (Jeremiah 45:5a NIV). Then, I realized my goals had drifted toward mostly “great things” for me. While self-improvement can be healthy, a Christian’s focus is supposed to be on God and others. Jesus lived a joyful life of self-denial and said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 ESV). God’s goals are greater than ours and bring true joy. As 2024 moved along, God, in His infinite wisdom and love, altered my plans with His better plan.

I charged into January 2024 with the goal of writing my third book and continuing pulpit supply. Later, God paused that goal with a far better one: helping a rural church that needed a pastor. With the unexplainable peace of God, plans changed, and now I have met the most wonderful people. I can only credit God and His love, and I wouldn’t change this for my wildest dreams. Flawed as I am, I am glad for God’s goals.

As I seek God first for 2025, I find encouragement in Acts. Once full of seeking great things for themselves, now the disciples overflowed with God’s Spirit and denied self, seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness instead. They no longer argued about who was greatest (Luke 22:24-27); in contrast, they boldly, persistently, and specifically sought God’s kingdom first by sharing Christ as the only way into it. They said, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Their focus changed, from self to the Savior, and ours can, too.

What are you seeking first? If we place God first, we truly gain the greater things, now and in the life to come. Our greatest need is not to seek our imaginary palaces but His real, eternal Kingdom. Let’s make that our goal this year and forever.

Have You Accepted Christ as Your Savior?

The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 NIV). Sin brings death, but God brings good news, as Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (KJV). God tells us how we can be saved from our sins and the death that follows: Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (NIV).

A Simple Prayer

With your heart, you can ask God for His gift of eternal life. Pray yourself or pray this: “Lord, I have sinned and deserve punishment. I need You to save me. I believe You took my place on the Cross, dying for me. I believe You are Lord and that You rose from the dead to give eternal life to those who ask in faith. I am asking for that in faith. Thank You.”

If you did this, welcome to eternal life! Share your decision today!

Pastor Russ Fisk of Westfield Methodist Church writes to encourage others to trust Jesus, who loves us so much. All are welcome at 154 Church St., Sundays at 10:45 a.m. E-mail: rightdirections4u@gmail.com.