“Seek and you will find….the one who seeks finds.” Luke 11:9-11

            Some people seem to be satisfied to let life go by and don’t think much about how things could be different.  Many are, however, seeking for something…something more, something better.  That “something” varies widely depending on the person.  That seeking may be the motivation for some to dye their hair green or put in a nose or tongue ring. Others these days try same-sex marriage or try to change their gender.  Some have gone on shooting sprees before killing themselves.  They were seeking something…something different to give meaning.

            Did Jesus approve of seeking?  In Luke 11 Jesus tells us to “Seek.”  In the next chapter, however, He tells us not to seek.  A few verses later He said, “But rather seek…” (Luke 12:29). So Jesus approved of seeking, but He told us that not all seeking brings the desired results.

            When Jesus said “do not seek” He was referring to clothes and food.  Does that mean that Jesus doesn’t care if we are hungry and cold?  Well, the answer is clear in verses 31 and 32: But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well…for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.   The issue is priorities.  If we read Jeremiah 45 we find that Jeremiah’s helper Baruch was discouraged because of the people’s unfavorable response to Jeremiah’s concern. But God’s message to Baruch in verse 5 was, Should you then seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them.

            We are to seek, so let’s keep on seeking, but at the same time we need to ask ourselves, “Am I seeking for the right things in the right places?”  Jesus said, What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? (Mark 8:36).  Satan promises a lot of fun, excitement, fulfillment, and satisfaction if we go seeking in his ways.  But it’s all an illusion because he’s a liar.  Jesus, on the other hand, doesn’t promise an easy life, but He does promise a fulfilling one with the greatest reward in the life to come.  What a contrast!  Let us “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness!”