The Overflow

Jesus said, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and everything else shall be added unto you..." 

Seek first the Kingdom of God... Got it!  But, what is the Kingdom of God??? Here's Paul's take on it:

• Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

In the hour of Paul many believers were being converted from Judaism, with them they brought baggage that had unintentionally become legalistic.  Their upbringing in the law of Moses restricted them from doing many things that had little to do with spirituality and more to do with simply following rules.  It is as if Paul was attempting to communicate to them that the Kingdom of God's presence in their lives was not determined by whether they ate pork or not (a no-no in Jewish culture); the Kingdom of God IS A MATTER of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. In fact, Paul goes on to say:

• Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may OVERFLOW with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit

What does it all mean? Simply put, the Kingdom of God is not about rules and regulations.  It is about living in joy, peace, and right-standing before God--to Love God and Love People.  I have joy that I am saved!  I have peace that I am saved!  I have right-standing because I could not save myself, Jesus did it for me.  When I seek this attitude in life, Jesus has promised that anything else I need will be added unto me--I will OVERFLOW with hope by the POWER of the Holy Spirit!

Greater things are yet to come!