“I will place no value on anything I have or may possess except in relation to the kingdom of Christ. ”
― David Livingstone

In life we often pursue, however the very things which we pursue are often of little or no value. If life is to be lived having achieved the greatest of pursuit, we must determine above all what the greatest pursuit is to be.  David Livingstone, a missionary to Africa, understood that the greatest pursuit was all things that pertained to the kingdom of God.  In his life, he stated that there was “…no value…except in relation to the kingdom of Christ.” The greatest pursuit in life is the kingdom of God and God’s good pleasure is to give the kingdom to you.

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”  Luke 12:37

It is the good pleasure of our Father in heaven to give us those things in life that really matter.  The very things that will last longer than the current moment. He desires to give you and me His kingdom.  I often wondered why are we missing out?  Why is it that we are not in possession of the thing that gives our heavenly Father good pleasure to give to us?

We often talk about having doors opened for us that lead to opportunities. We know that only God can open doors.  I believe that behind each of those doors are pieces of the kingdom, the kingdom that God wants to give us.  Yet many of us struggle and wonder when and how these doors will open for us.  We fail to realize that God has given us keys to open these doors.  Here are the 10 keys that God has given to us that if we use them we will receive the good stuff in life:

Key #1  Life is More

“The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.” Luke 12:23

In Luke 12 Christ shares a parable about a rich man who keeps getting richer.  In this parable Christ proclaims this man to be a “fool.”  We learn that he was foolish because his pursuits were off.  This rich fool did not understand the very important key that life is more than what he can get. Life is more than the physical things that we so often pursue; it is more than the food we fill our bellies with and it is more than the things we wear.  To put ourselves into position to receive what God is desiring to give us we realize that life is more.

Life is more, so therefore we cannot settle for those things that will pass away in a moment.  We cannot settle for those things that we cannot keep.  We pursue after all things eternal.  The things that bring honor and glory to God.  The beautiful thing about these things we are to pursue–they are all around us.  They are were we work, they are in our home, and they are in our moments of rest.  They have always been there all we must do is to change focus to the eternal and realize that life is more.

Key #2  Consider These

“Consider the ravens…Consider the lilies” Luke 12:24-27

How much do we realize that we are better than the birds of the air? How much do we understand that unlike the flowers we are created for eternal purposes? When focus changes from money and pursuits of the flesh there can be some struggles with something we call “worry” creeping into our lives.  To receive the good stuff in life all we need to do is to consider these, the ravens and the lilies.

God created us better than the birds and He cares for them, why would He not gives us what we need?  God created the lily with more splendor than all of King Solomon’s riches yet the lily is not eternal.  You and I are created with eternity in mind.  God has plans for you and me so we ought to consider these.

When we think about all of God’s plans we are taking hold of a key that will allow us to receive the kingdom in this life.  Know that God has more prepared for us then we possibly think or imagine so consider these and receive.

Key #3  No Second Thoughts

“And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.” Luke 12:29

The receiving of the kingdom of God is not for those of us who have second thoughts.  When I think of second thoughts I am reminded of Lot’s wife and I immediately determine not to look back.  Far too many of us have wasted time and many have wasted their lives.  This rich man from the parable gives us a great example of this very thing.  He had all the resources to make an impact yet he wasted them in storage.

As we see God’s call and direction on our lives we cannot have second thoughts.  If we can be of a single mind, thinking only those things that bring glory to God the kingdom is available for us to receive.

Key #4  Seek the Kingdom

“But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  Luke 12:31

When you have a goal that is a motivating factor but when you zero in on a target you become ready to go.  The one target that will unleash all other things in our lives is seeking the kingdom of God.  Many of us miss out because we are uncertain as to what the “kingdom of God” actually is. The kingdom of God is pursued when in all things  we are trying to know Him more, we attempting to magnify Him to others, and when we with our voice proclaim His gospel.

We are promised that if we seek we will find.  Not only is it accessible but remember that it is God’s good pleasure to give the kingdom to us.  This is not something we have to struggle to get.  It is a matter of trusting in Him.

Key #5  No Fear

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”  Luke 12:37

There is, for the Child of God, no fear in life or in death because “perfect love casts out all fear.”  To unlock what God is wanting to give you there cannot be any fear in our following of Him.  The fear of being able to accomplish much for Him is a fear that will keep us from receiving what He has for us. There can be no fear for He commands our future and our destiny. Over and over again His word is constantly reassuring us that there is no need for fear in our lives for He who started all this in our lives is faithful to finish the work.

Take strength, comfort and peace knowing that having faith in His plans will unlock the kingdom in our lives.

Keys 6-10 continued tomorrow..