“For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you

need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” (Luke 12:30-31)

In our success-driven society, stress and anxiety are at an all-time high. I have felt the pressure

of striving to be the best athlete I can be and chasing success on the golf course. No matter

what our occupation is, there is always the temptation to fall into the trap of seeking after

money, relationships, a promotion, or possessions. The truth is that our desires may look

different but all stem from one of the same three things. Everyone is looking for purpose,

intimacy, and destiny.

Jesus warns us in Luke 12 that we will not find what we are looking for in the world, but peace

only comes from seeking after His kingdom. So, how can you and I seek after our heavenly

kingdom in a materialistic world? 

1. Find our purpose in loving God and loving His people. We will not miss our calling if we

have a deep love for God that overflows into every aspect of our life. The last thing

Jesus told His followers before He ascended to heaven was to go and make disciples.

That is our purpose -- to share the gospel and be a light in the darkness. 

2. Find intimacy in our relationship with Jesus. Rather than looking for fleeting fulfillment in

a friend, boss, or spouse, rest in Jesus. We as the church are His bride whom He loves

and for whom He sacrificed it all. He is faithful to pursue us in our brokenness and

desires a closer relationship with us. 

3. Find destiny in God’s promise of eternal life. We do not know what tomorrow might bring

or the challenges we will face while on this earth. The world loses its grip on us when our

hope is in the future with our Heavenly Father. 

One of my favorite songs from Passion is “Jireh”, which says, “Jireh, you are enough.” Jesus is

enough and meets our worries and needs with a peace that surpasses all understanding. I

encourage you to reflect on where your heart is. Are you spending your days settling for less or

are you seeking after God’s kingdom?

By C.A. Carter

C.A. is a recent graduate of LCA and will be attending and playing golf at the University of

Kentucky in the Fall. She is the daughter of Jimmy and Carrie Carter.