Investing that “Seeks Ye First”

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The words “Seek Ye First” are indelibly inscribed upon my mind.  I went to a small Christian college, where we attended chapel three times a week, and emblazoned above the pulpit were those three words.  They are from Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  I did not appreciate the magnitude of those words at that time, as I, like many college students, felt we had the world by the tail and were preparing for a great ride. 

Over the years, however, those three words have increasingly challenged me.  The context in Matthew refers to the assurance that our Heavenly Father will provide us the necessities of life, but there is a caveat: we must make it a priority to pursue God – not only His ways (the kingdom of God) but also His character (His righteousness).  

In America, where we focus on self-sufficiency – especially when it relates to building wealth – we can easily neglect making God a priority in our finances.  “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with your first fruits of all your produce” (Proverbs 3:9).   Notice the “and” in the middle of the verse.  Giving of our “first fruits” is important, but it is only part of the picture.  We are also to “honor the Lord” in all aspects of our finances, including how we build wealth.  

Our Heavenly Father cares for us deeply and wants us to appropriate the full blessings He has for us.  God wants us to invest and build wealth (Matthew 25:14-30), but only in a manner that makes Him a priority and honors Him.  Let each of us ask ourselves how “Seek Ye First” is evident in our investments, no matter where we are in life’s journey.

Doug Hanson, MBA

Wealth Advisor