Seek First 40, Day 1

Here's the deal.

I've read in the Bible the other day... This:

Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 

 I have read, heard and thought of this verse countless times. One of the first principles from the Bible that I actively tried to apply. In fact, I read it a couple of weeks ago when I started my study of Jesus' teachings on life and God. And yet, I read it on Monday again, and it has stuck with me since. Every moment that my head goes vacant of deliberate thought, this line comes to my mind.
So I sat down today and read the Sermon on the Mountain again. Carefully. A powerful sermon delivered by the Lord himself.

It happens to address so many issues currently present in my life. Take responsibility. Don't be shy. Don't abuse the spiritual freedom to sin. Take it higher. Don't swear. Know when to say no. Love unpleasant people. Don't fight back. ... many points. Except from the one about praying in public places, I have no problem praying in private, but I guess He was talking in time when praying actually made you look cool or something. Don't worry. Don't show off. Don't judge. Don't be a fool.

When I collected all the "dont's", I was left with a side of me that I really, really liked. It is also very hard to think away all those things I'm not supposed to do. And yet, I was not left with a void. In contrast to the early days of my conversion when I gave up bad words and suddenly realized I have nothing to say.
This time, with all the don'ts out of the way, the person that remained was a mindful, peaceful, believing, profoundly joyful, and loving. And after a few days of chewing on the verse I've quoted above, I'm starting to believe that the key is in seeking God's Kingdom and righteousness first, in everything.

Somehow, focusing on God makes me a better person. It makes me stronger and my perspective clearer. So I decided to take a 40-day journey.
For the next 40 days, I will meditate on the seek-first verse, read only Jesus' teaching about life and God (no acts or epistles), and attempt to apply this principle in every situation that I notice.

I don't know whether I will be able to share my thoughts every day, but I will try to write down my findings in this blog, should God grant me any. I pray that this journey transforms me into a person that is closer to what God has in mind for me. My challenge for today is: don't try to be perfect. =)

What about you? Wanna take this trip with me?