Pastor Jean Newell

Can you remember a time when you were in a car — maybe you were driving — and the traffic was slowing down for a stoplight, and someone pulled right in front of you causing you to hit your brakes to avoid hitting them? Can you remember a time when you were about to turn into a parking space to your right, and a car coming from the opposite direction did a U-turn right in front of you and pulled into the parking spot you were about to use?

Why do people do the things they do? Might it be the “me first” attitude — me first before you! Could it be some people are so focused on themselves and their own lives that they are oblivious to what’s going on around them? In all honesty, that has happened to each one of us because it is so easy to be self-absorbed at times! There are days when you have got the “to do” list which has to be done before this meeting or that appointment, and you are bound and determined to get things done.

However, God’s Written Word tells us, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

What does it mean to seek God first? It means to be intentional. It means to take time to spend with God. If you went to see a doctor, you would want that doctor to be intentional – to take time to be with you. The same holds true for spending time with God. God is always, always with us, so it is not a matter of God needing to be intentional and needing to take time to be with us. We are the ones who need to be intentional. We are the ones who need to take time to spend with God!

So, what is being intentional going to look like in our lives? We need to be intentional and take time to spend with God on a daily basis. That can mean we spend time reading or praying or even working in the yard or making needed repairs around the house—as long as we recognize that time as our time with God.

Before another day goes by, know that God desires to be in a closer relationship with you. Hence, may each of us seek God first in all we do!