Scripture Focus: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” — Matthew 6:33
Supporting Scripture: “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” — Psalm 89:14
Real Faith Is More Than Being “Real”
People talk a lot about being authentic. We want people to be real. We are tired of pretending, fake smiles, polished words with no substance, and religious talk that does not match the way people actually live.
But biblical authenticity is not just saying, “This is how I feel,” or “This is who I am.” Feelings are real, but they are not always right. Desires are real, but they are not always holy. Being honest about where we are is important, but God also calls us to grow beyond where we are.
True authenticity means our lives are becoming what they claim to be. If we say we follow Jesus, then our character, choices, words, and relationships should slowly begin to reflect Him. Authentic faith is not performance. It is honest surrender to God’s truth.
Authentic Does Not Mean Unaccountable
Sometimes we use the word authentic as an excuse. We say, “I’m just being real,” when what we really mean is, “I do not want anyone to correct me.” But real authenticity does not run from truth. It welcomes truth, even when truth challenges us.
God is not asking us to pretend we are perfect. He is asking us to come honestly. He can work with confession. He can heal what we bring into the light. But pride keeps us stuck, and performance keeps us hiding.
Righteousness and Justice Are Part of Truth
Psalm 89:14 says that righteousness and justice are the foundation of God’s throne. That means they are not small side issues. They are part of who God is and how His kingdom works.
Righteousness means living in a way that is right before God. Justice means caring about what is fair, true, and merciful toward people. If we want to be authentic followers of Jesus, we cannot ignore either one. We cannot talk about loving God while ignoring how people are treated.
The church cannot reflect God’s kingdom by image alone. We need truth. We need humility. We need love. We need justice. We need lives that match what we say we believe.
Seeking First the Kingdom in Everyday Life
Jesus said, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” That means God’s priorities must come before our own comfort, image, ambition, and fear. Seeking the kingdom means asking, “What does God want here?” before asking, “What do I want?”
This does not mean we stop caring about daily needs. Jesus knew we need food, clothing, shelter, provision, and security. But He also warned us not to let worry control our hearts. When we seek God first, we learn to trust Him with the things we cannot control.
Seeking first the kingdom means God’s righteousness becomes our pursuit. His justice becomes part of our practice. His love becomes the reason behind how we live, lead, serve, give, speak, and build.
We need God’s wisdom, courage, provision, compassion, endurance, purity, power, and love. But these gifts are not meant for selfish gain. They are meant to help us live faithfully and serve people well.
Living as Children and Heirs
Salvation is forgiveness, but it is also more than that. Through Jesus, we are brought back into God’s family. John 1:12 says those who receive Christ are given the right to become children of God. Romans 8:14–17 teaches that God’s children are also heirs.
That means our inheritance in Christ is not just something we wait for someday. It is something we learn to live from now. We discover who we are in God, what He has promised, and how those promises are meant to bless others.
Living from our inheritance does not mean using God’s promises selfishly. It means letting God’s life flow through us into places of need, pain, injustice, and brokenness. It means purity and power shaped by love. It means mercy and justice made visible.
Salvation Restores Identity and Purpose
God did not save us only to forgive us and leave us unchanged. He saved us to bring us close, restore our identity, and shape us into the image of Christ.
Romans 8:29 says believers are being conformed to the image of God’s Son. That means salvation begins a process of becoming. We are learning again how to live as people made in God’s image.
Ephesians 2:10 says we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works. In simple terms, we were saved into purpose. We were brought near to God so we could walk with Him and join Him in doing good.
Relationship With God Changes Everything
In Christ, we are not loosely connected to God. We are brought into close relationship with Him. We are children. We are heirs. We are invited to know Him, trust Him, and walk with Him.
That changes how we see everything. It changes how we see ourselves, our neighbors, the poor, the oppressed, and even the people we disagree with. If we belong to God, then how we treat people matters deeply.
God is patient, but His patience should not be mistaken for approval. He corrects because He loves. He calls people back because He wants truth, healing, and restoration.
Authenticity that aligns with truth is not about pretending. It is about becoming whole before God. It is honest, humble, loving, accountable, and rooted in righteousness and justice. When we seek first the kingdom, God shapes us into people whose lives match the truth we confess.
Minister A Francine Green I July 2026