Seeking First the Kingdom of God
“Almost all faiths contain the idea of dwelling in a spiritual realm.
In Judaism and Christianity, there is the Kingdom of God (Heaven), as well as the Garden of Eden. In Psalms 84, arriving in the Kingdom of God is compared with coming home, ‘as the sparrow has found its home at last.’
In Hinduism, there is the abode of the undying, Amaravati, presided over by the god Indra. There is also the Brahma loka and the Brahmavihara (Abode of Brahma) where Hindus aspire to dwell with Brahma. True love can be found here in terms of maitri (loving kindness), karuna (compassion), mudita (joy), and upeksha (equanimity).
And in the Qur’an, Eden is also a paradise and there are descriptions of gardens of delight where those who practice their spiritual path dwell close to Allah. According to some they may even be able to see the face of Allah.”
In Buddhism, there is the teaching of Nirvana, and the Pure Land.
Some people believe that the Kingdom of God is only available after we have passed away. If we practice our faith sincerely and do good deeds in this life, then we will reap the benefits sometime in the future, after we have died.
Others, however, realise that the Kingdom of God can be a living reality – to be experienced right here and now! In fact, they are aware of living every moment firmly established in the Kingdom of God. This is the highest level of practicing our faith. Such people are able to maintain their constant awareness of the Kingdom of God and all its wholesome qualities.
(Source: Based on Thich Nhat Hanh. Finding Our True Home: Living in the Pure Land Here and Now. Berkeley, CA: Parallax Press, 2003)
How is this possible? Those living at the highest level of faith recognise deeply that God is love, and that they can imbibe of divine love — if they seek to do so. Having the gift of divine love is like truly coming home — it is as if we are understanding for the first time the mystery of the ages. Finally, we can fulfil our incredible human potential — beginning now. We do not have to wait until we die!
Living at the highest level of faith, however, does not negate practicing our faith sincerely and doing good deeds in this life.
When we reflect on the reality of our life, we may in fact discern two realities — first, the conventional or relative reality; second, the ultimate reality.
Now we can more deeply understand Jesus’ words when he encouraged his followers to “seek first the Kingdom of God”— not in the future, but in the present. This precious Reality can be experienced now, as well as of course, far more fully and richly beyond this life!
In summary, in the Sacred Word, we find that Jesus instructed his disciples: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things [what we need in this life at the relative level] will be given to you as well” (Matt 6:33, New International Version).
Each of us needs to be ever vigilant so that “the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful (Mark 4:19, New International Version).
Money can be deceitful in providing a false sense of security! In reality, however, money does not provide us with lasting security and happiness – no matter how much we have – either in this life, or in the life to come.
Our own scam experience taught us that more money is not proportional to greater happiness. Simply put, money does not provide authentic inner peace, genuine well-being, and lasting contentment – these are achieved only by seeking first the Kingdom of God!
Alexander and Eva Peck