As we conclude our series on the Kingdom of God, we will look at the firsts of God in the book of Mathew. First seek the Kingdom, aligning your priorities. When we seek first the kingdom of God, every part of our lives should be affected. We align our convictions with His. We see suffering from His perspective and every decision is made with a focus on advancing the Kingdom of God. Matt. 6:33

First remove the log from your own eye, aligning your attitudes. Matt. 7:4-5, A little bit of forgiveness can lead to a lifetime of bitterness so we must confront our judgmental attitudes. Bitterness can defile many others. When we judge and condemn others, we take our focus away from God and our own need to be changed. It is so easy to become a watchman over others, trying to correct them when all the while what we see in them is really what is in us. We must give consideration to ourselves first before trying to remove other people’s faults. Keep God as your focus and not others faults.

First be reconciled to your brother, aligning your relationships. We should continually be attempting to gain understanding of others so we can build bridges of relational connection rather than walls that block people out of our lives. Our growth, service and witness for Christ is done in a relational context. We are built for connection. (Matt. 5:24-25.)

First bind the strong man, aligning your authority (Matt. 12:29). We have authority to reclaim what the enemy has stolen from us. We have all been robbed in some way and we know the thief, strongman has come to steal, kill and destroy. We can exercise authority and experience our victories in Christ.

First the greatest commandment, aligning your heart with God's, Matt. 22:36-38. Real love for God will always be translated into action. Real love is wholehearted and doesn't count the cost.

First cleanse the inside, aligning your inner world Matt. 23:26. Our inner world is whom we are when no one is watching. The Holy Spirit is weaving beautiful qualities in our character as He brings our lives into alignment with God’s Kingdom.

First day of the week, aligning with his Body. Matt.28:1. Giving Him the first day of the week is symbolic of allowing Him to take first place in the other six days. It is a way of tithing our lives and our time so that every other area of our lives can be fully blessed.

As we properly come into alignment with the Kingdom of God, let us expect to see His Kingdom come and his will released into the earth through us.

Rev. Kola Ewuosho