Seek ye first...

There are some kinds of people who are a theologian first and Christians second. There are some who are workers first and a Christian second. There are some who are a friend first and Christian second. Such people are genuinely motivated, but they miss the mark terribly. The Bible makes it plain that we are to be a Christian first, and whatever else we are is secondary at best. Any person who "finds identity" in something or someone else outside of Christ and His kingdom will only find confusion and discontentment.

I've seen this play out in the lives of those around me, as well as my own life. One person finds their identity in something besides Christ, but unless they recognize the secondary nature of this "calling," they will centralize that identity and begin to worship it. Once that idol is erected, it is extremely difficult to tear down, especially if it is enshrouded in these genuine but deceptive motivations. Led on by their self-deception, the laws of nature that God instated lead the sheep to the slaughter.

The person who loves money more than anything will seek it to their destruction. The person who idolizes marriage and family will seek it first, and will end up raising unfaithful and misguided Christians. The person who idolizes doctrine will end up making a mockery and a "by-word" of what they believe. The person who idolizes working will fall prey to the Martha superiority complex. Those who view themselves as proponents of global social justice first will associate with like-minded God-haters rather than Christians.

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Jesus didn't say it for kicks, for a pretty song, or for advice on how to live to your maximum potential. He said it because it is Truth, it is Light and it is Life, just as all His laws and commands are. And ignoring those laws that He established before time began will only bring pain, anguish, and death of all kinds.