But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. MAT 6:33-34.

In our text Jesus is talking about the work of regeneration, the new nature, which enables us to become a God-fearing people who will seek first the will of God. It becomes our hungering, craving desire to do that which is for the glory of God, to fulfill the purpose of our creation, and reflect the image of God in righteousness and true holiness. The will of our heavenly Father becomes the uppermost, first desire of our heart.

Jesus' admonition in our text is to search out our priorities. They can get so mixed up. What is it that holds first place in our hearts? Who is on the throne? Who do we serve? This is the all important question which shall separate the sheep from the goats in the last day.

MAL 3:16-18 says, "Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not."

Why should we seek to enter the kingdom? Why should we seek to walk under the service of Him who is our King? It is because in the day of judgment He will sort out those who served Him, those whose desire was to seek the kingdom of God, and those who did not.

Certainly we cannot merit anything by serving the Lord, but our text teaches there is a reward in this life as well as an eternal reward for serving the Lord. The Lord is telling us not to worry about material things. Just walk under His banner, and He will provide them; we do not need to strive for material things.

There is the reward in this life. Also, there is an eternal reward on the day of judgment when those who served Him are separated from those who did not serve Him. This is the reward for the obedience of faith spoken of in HEB 11:6, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

We must understand there is a difference between a reward and a merit. We are not able to merit anything, but the Lord is so pleased with righteousness, and one who has a heart tender for His will, that He gives a reward. It is an undeserved blessing, something to which we have no right or title.