Skip to main content

Don’t Put The Cart Before The Horse



     This age have witnessed an upsurge in the preoccupation and obsession with ‘how to get’ mantra. Several books, seminars, talks and many more try to teach people ‘how to get’ one thing or the other, from the arena of love to wealth! Thus effectively losing sight of what is truly important. But let us go back to the Scriptures and find out the Lord’s view on this obsession. Have you ever wondered how many business ventures King Solomon must have been involved with to earn him such stupendous wealth? He was involved in several, but was that truly what brought his wealth? The Bible tells us that God blessed him; this singular pronouncement paved the way and showed him how to make wealth, hence the ‘businesses’: “In addition, I will give you what you did not ask for: both riches and honor, so that no man in any kingdom will be your equal during your entire life” (1Kings 3:13). This was true, as his wealth was legendary and dignitaries traveled from far and wide to hear him speak and observe his massive wealth; even history and archaeological discoveries could not disprove this. King Solomon was the son of the late king David who was a warrior king. Understandably, King David stored up a lot of spoils of war, but he made it clear that he did not amass the spoils to be inherited by his children but for the building of the Temple of God, which was his life-long ambition. In other words, David devoted all that he owned to God and God was very pleased with him. After his death, God asked Solomon to make a request of Him and it will be done. He asked for only one thing: Wisdom! This pleased the Lord greatly, and He replied: “I will give you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has never been anyone like you before and never will be again” (1Kings 3:12). 
      On the flip side, one can deduce that if he had asked for wealth since his father did not leave much personal wealth for him to inherit, he may have been a very undiscerning, foolish king that may not be able to increase the wealth he had received. This is the situation of so many today. They have wealth but are poor towards the things that matter most to their lives. Jesus Christ in teaching His disciples not the multitude said: “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His Kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right) and then all these things taken together will be given you besides” (Matthew 6:33, AMP). Before this, He warned the disciples not to be overly concerned about what they will eat, wear, drink, in fact, the totality of life. He said those that are overly concerned about such things are idolaters! If we believe this, why the obsession with our bodies: what to eat, drink, wear, live and the likes? So many Ministries and Ministers have perfected the art of teaching the congregants of how to strive and aim at these things, whilst they go to sleep concerning the Kingdom! From the discussion of Christ with His disciples, we can see that something is fundamentally wrong when we have to give all our creative energies to how to create wealth, how to marry and stay married and so many ‘how tos’, leaving the weightier matter of first and foremost aiming and striving after the Kingdom. Please do not misunderstand this article. We are to work, and work diligently as well because he that does no work should not eat, says the Lord (2Thessalonians 3:10). But we are not to let the pursuit of wealth and the many ‘how tos’ overtake and overrun our existence. 
      Solomon’s wealth and understanding came by the same principle Jesus Christ taught His disciples: Seeking first the Kingdom of God, His way of doing things. This means keeping a single eye upon the Lord (this is wisdom: Understanding and discernment) which will in turn affect our character, attitude and general outlook on life. Then…all other things will be added. Why then are we teaching men on how to seek everything but the Kingdom first? No wonder the Body is riddled with wealthy persons with no idea what their wealth is meant for yet they are surrounded with so much lack. Friend, you cannot put the cart before the horse; it is a sure recipe for disaster down the road. You need wealth, a great spouse, awesome job and the likes, then seek God’s Kingdom FIRST AND He will give you the understanding and discernment to go about getting what you desire: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7). Without this, whatever you get you will not hold for long! As this year unfolds, God has great plans for you, but you cannot access them or hold them for long if you do get them if your heart is not striving and aiming at the Kingdom of God. Our prayer like Solomon should be that the Lord will give us an obedient heart to walk truthfully in His word and a discerning Spirit to discern between good and evil. What we are inadvertently asking for is GOD Himself! Then see your world turn-around like never before. God bless you as you strive and aim for the Kingdom of God and His way of doing things in Jesus Christ name.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Quarry Site Experience

Have you ever visited a quarry site and considered the process the rocks are subjected to before they become dressed stones to be used? If the stones could talk they will have a story to tell about their experiences.  As children of God we go through diverse experiences and we wonder if we will indeed survive them. Sometimes we wonder why our gracious and compassionate Father would allow such to befall us considering who we are in Him and what we are doing in His vineyard.  The Scripture that should readily come to our minds in such circumstances is God’s assurance when He said: “I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire and the flame will not burn you ” (Isaiah 43:2). This Scripture assures us that through the experiences of flames and waters, God is always by our side to see us through.  Thus, it is necessary for us to go through the...
Post a Comment
Read more

Are You A True Disciple? Part 1

       This decade opened with very dire straits for mankind, as many people around the world woke up to a world that stood still as each nation shut their borders, homes and institutions shutting their doors. If many had been told this scenario could happen a couple of decades ago, one would say it was crazily impossible. But it did happen! Many lives and livelihoods were destroyed, and many institutions and lifestyles, including the Church, were affected. As terrible as the times were and still are, it is exposing the hearts and state of many 'sons of God'!         Many wondered aloud, 'What does the devil want for causing all this havoc?' And some went further to ask, 'What does God want?' The answer to both questions is 'Man' (male and female)! It is a battle between the Kingdom of God and darkness for the soul of man. As a result, man is being prepared both by God and the devil for eternity with either!         ...
Post a Comment
Read more

It Is Time To Raise A Cry For Nigeria!

  "The voice said, “Cry out!” And he said, “What shall I cry?” “All flesh is grass, And all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, Because the breath of the Lord blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:6-8).         Listening to a brother detailing how Nigeria will be great again because it was foretold decades ago, I quieted down in my spirit to listen to him. According to him, the prophecies of old say that Nigeria will become a beacon of God's light to the rest of the world as they carry His Word to the rest of the world, especially in Africa. He enumerated the many qualities of Nigeria, especially the spiritual significance of her position within the continent of Africa. She will be used by God to trigger the last move of revival in the last days, he continued.         I listened attentively,...
Post a Comment
Read more