Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

For many years, a popular TV game show asked this very question! No doubt, the Creators of the program had in mind that viewers think: “Duh—who doesn’t?” Doesn’t everyone believe that the most important source of happiness is money–and lots of it?!

So we are encouraged to get it, especially in ways that need little to no effort, such as get-rich-quick schemes or gambling.

It might be a good idea to politely question what our society and culture seems to favor as our aim! If we blindly go after what popular opinion suggests should be our ultimate pursuit, there is a good likelihood we end up disappointed. We tend to accept that having money, being liked by the right people, or being successful and famous equals happiness. If we seriously examine that belief, we have to admit that there are many people who have all these things, yet are most unhappy and miserable.

What then is the right question to ask? What or better Who is the source of true joy and happiness?

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Gospel of Matthew 6:33

Jesus invites us to seek his kingdom and his righteousness.

What does that mean? Is it something desirable to us? We just celebrated Independence Day in the United States, the people’s declaration and desire to be free from king and kingdom. And Jesus now asks us to become beholden to another king and kingdom?

It might be helpful to think of it in other terms. Dallas Willard explains it this way: “We all have a “kingdom,” a range where we decide what we want. Even little kids establish their kingdom with words such as “mine’ or “no.” God’s Kingdom is the range of his effective will, where what he wants done is done.”

“Unlike human kings, he invites us submit our personal kingdoms to His. He is not forcing us but patiently asks us to seek his kingdom while promising that the things we really need and want will be given to us. He is pulling us rather than pushing us.”

By concentrating on the right quest, we’ll get what we need as byproduct.

Who wants to be a Kingdom Seeker?