One of my favorite scriptures is, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:” preceded and followed by other instructions given by the Lord on how to receive many more of his blessings. He ends it with this admonition and promise:
Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
“I got this,” I say, “I am praying and reading my scriptures daily. I am teaching my family. I am attending church. I am totally being the best person I know how. I am connecting to Father each day. I am seeking the kingdom in my life in every way that I can.”
And then I read the Joseph Smith translation. I love the further clarification it gives. I love the deepened intention in the action God is actually calling for.
JST Wherefore, seek not the things of this world but seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness … (emphasis added)
So I ask myself, “In what ways am I helping to build the kingdom, not just seek the kingdom for myself and my family?” Many thoughts come to mind.
I am certain you are building the kingdom in your own way too, but doesn’t this clarification inspire you? It inspires me to pray for guidance on how to do build more purposefully.
Don’t just seek. Seek to build.