First things first. As inspirational as many athletes are, they don’t receive my first respect. That goes to The King. I strive to see eye to eye with Him.
In the Sermon on the Mount King Jesus (Revelation 19:16) used the word “first’ twice. First He said to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33) Second, He said to “First take the plank out of your own eye.” (Matthew 7:5) Matthew sums up Christ’s message by saying that Jesus preached “Repent for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17) To repent is to take the plank out of your own eye. “The kingdom of Heaven is at hand,” means that the will of God and His inner government is available to those who will seek it as their first priority.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus also said: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) Jesus asked God the Father: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) He said to keep seeking God’s kingdom (God’s will) as the first purpose of your life. (Matthew 6:33) The more you will humbly, sincerely, and persistently knock on God’s door, the closer you will get to His inner kingdom and His will in your daily life. (James 4:6)
Which way will you go? Will you continually seek and passionately pursue the narrow gate and road that leads to life? (Matthew 7:13-14) Or will you casually drift along the broad road that leads to destruction? The risen Jesus is the narrow gate! (John 10:7)
Be very careful because Jesus warned of false prophets who look like sheep “but inwardly are ferocious wolves.” (Matthew 7:15) Jesus said that you can recognize false prophets by their fruit. (Matthew 7:16) If a preacher, teacher, or leader doesn’t bear the “good fruit” of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23–love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) he is a false prophet. (Matthew 7:19-20) It’s not enough to say “Lord, Lord!” Christ followers are called to actually obey the living Jesus and do the will of God. (Matthew 7:21-28)
Fortunately, Jesus, the gate to the kingdom of God, is ready to live inside of you, (Colossians 1:27) empower you, (Acts 1:8) and continually lead you by His Spirit. (Romans 8:28) Never stop seeking King Jesus and His inner government of your life with “all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”? (Matthew 22:37) Always keep the risen Jesus first and center in your daily focus.
Some people think I am crazy for trusting so much in Jesus. Here are the people who I think are crazy. People who trust distracted drivers in parking lots not to accidently hit them when they step right in front of their moving vehicles while focusing on their phone. Stop, look, and listen.
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