EGW WritingsMatthew 6

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 33, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 33, 1898, par. 17

In the prayer Christ gave His disciples, the request is made for daily bread. “Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of these things,” Christ said. [Matthew 6:32.] “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” [Luke 11:13.]

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God.”—Matthew 6:33.

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God.”—Matthew 6:33.

MB 99.1

“All these things,” said Jesus, “do the nations of the world seek after.” “Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Luke 12:30; Matthew 6:32, 33. I have come to open to you the kingdom of love and righteousness and peace. Open your hearts to receive this kingdom, and make its service your highest interest. Though it is a spiritual kingdom, fear not that your needs for this life will be uncared-for. If you give yourself to God’s service, He who has all power in heaven and earth will provide for your needs.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 21, 1871

2LtMs, Lt 21, 1871, par. 4

Well, children, how do you prosper spiritually? Are you interested in heavenly things or are your affections, your anxiety and interest in temporal things? When you, my dear children, live up to the light that God has given you, when you are faithful and obedient, serving God with willing, cheerful hearts, then God will work for you and His blessing will abide upon you. His prospering hand will attend you. But if you neglect sacred things and choose your own course and are indifferent to the claims God has upon you, then He will leave you to your own judgment to pursue your own course. If you would have the blessing of God, you must comply with the conditions God has laid down in His Word. If you make the things of this life your first business and eternal things secondary, you will not realize the promise of God in your case. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” “For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” Matthew 6:33, 32.

A Call To Stand Apart

Chapter 16—Careers

CSA 64.3

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]

MR No. 969—Faithfulness in Confessing Christ

12MR 231.2

Christ demands the entire service of the soldiers in His army. In His Word he has given the principles of action: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” [Romans 12:11]. These principles should govern our conduct at all times. No allowance is made for lazy, negligent work, or for want of zeal. God has a righteous claim to constant service and supreme love. Your body, your soul, your life, all your God-given capabilities should be consecrated to God for the promotion of His glory. No one can be a sincere Christian unless he is a laborer together with God, unless he belongs to the family of workers. We must ever bear in mind that we are in copartnership with God. His work and His cause demand the first consideration. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” [Matthew 6:33].—Manuscript 13, 1896.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Lt 128, 1910

25LtMs, Lt 128, 1910, par. 8

God and Christ are full of resources. If we will follow the Lord’s directions, godliness will be shown in the plans laid to work our cities. In these large centers, let our ministers bear a message strong and clear to those who do not understand the truth. Let them patiently educate families. Let there come forth from unfeigned lips the word of warning, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.]

25LtMs, Lt 128, 1910, par. 11

My brethren and sisters, are you doing God’s work intelligently, reasoning from cause to effect? “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” [Matthew 6:33], and the result will be that your efforts to save sinners from the error of their ways will increase. This work must be done in hope and faith and a knowledge of the truth. Souls cost the life of the only begotten Son of God, and the first duty that we have to perform is the setting of a right example to others. We have been bought with a price, and we are to do our God-given work faithfully. “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” [Mark 8:36, 37.]

Maranatha

Life’s Top Priority, March 4

Mar 71.1

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33.

Our Father Cares

The Smiles of God, April 16

OFC 118.4

They only are truly blessed whose chief concern is to secure those blessings which will nourish the soul and endure forever. Our Saviour says to us, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. God has a care for us, even to bestow His temporal blessings upon us. Our earthly good is not beneath the notice of our heavenly Father. He knoweth that we have need of these things.... When God smiles upon our efforts it is worth more than any earthly income.

Our High Calling

The Smiles of God, July 9

OHC 196.4

They only are truly blessed whose chief concern is to secure those blessings which will nourish the soul and endure forever. Our Saviour says to us, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. God has a care for us, even to bestow His temporal blessings upon us. Our earthly good is not beneath the notice of our heavenly Father. He knoweth that we have need of these things.... When God smiles upon our efforts it is worth more than any earthly income.

Our High Calling

Are We Guilty? October 4

OHC 283.5

Some dwell upon what they shall eat and drink and wherewithal they shall be clothed. Their hearts are filled with these thoughts, and they flow out from the abundance of the heart, as though these things were their grand aim in life, their highest attainment. They forget the words of Christ, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33.8The Review and Herald, March 30, 1886.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9

God’s Almoners

9T 53.4

We are Christ’s witnesses, and we are not to allow worldly interests and plans to absorb our time and attention. There are higher interests at stake. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.” Matthew 6:33. Christ gave Himself willingly and cheerfully to the carrying out of the will of God. He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. In view of all that He has done, should we feel it a hardship to deny self? Shall we draw back from being partakers of Christ’s sufferings? His death ought to stir every fiber of our beings, making us willing to consecrate to His work all that we have and are. As we think of all that He has done for us, our hearts should be filled with gratitude and love, and we should renounce all selfishness. What duty could the heart refuse to perform under the constraining influence of the love of Christ?

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 12—The Temptation

DA 121.2

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Often the follower of Christ is brought where he cannot serve God and carry forward his worldly enterprises. Perhaps it appears that obedience to some plain requirement of God will cut off his means of support. Satan would make him believe that he must sacrifice his conscientious convictions. But the only thing in our world upon which we can rely is the word of God. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. Even in this life it is not for our good to depart from the will of our Father in heaven. When we learn the power of His word, we shall not follow the suggestions of Satan in order to obtain food or to save our lives. Our only questions will be, What is God’s command? and what His promise? Knowing these, we shall obey the one, and trust the other.

The Upward Look

Who Is King? March 1

UL 74.3

Man’s ingenuity, his judgment, his power to execute, all come from God. To God’s service all should be devoted. The principles of the Bible are to control the Lord’s servants. His workers are ever to do justice and judgment, steadfastly keeping the way of the Lord. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Make this the point round which your life centers, and then all things needful will be given you. Put the Redeemer’s interests before your own or those of any other human being. He has bought you, and all your powers belong to Him.

Christian Education

Chapter 2—Our College

CE 28.3

Educators should understand how to guard the health of their students. They should restrain them from taxing their minds with too many studies. If they leave college with a knowledge of the sciences, but with shattered constitutions, it would have been better had they not entered the school at all. Some parents feel that their children are being educated at considerable expense, and they urge them forward in their studies. Students are desirous of taking many studies in order to complete their education in as short a time as possible. The professors have allowed some to advance too rapidly. While some may need urging, others need holding back. Students should ever be diligent, but they ought not to crowd their minds so as to become intellectual dyspeptics. They should not be so pressed with studies as to neglect the culture of the manners; and above all, they should let nothing interfere with their seasons of prayer, which bring them in connection with Jesus Christ, the best teacher the world has ever known. In no case should they deprive themselves of religious privileges. Many students have made their studies the first great object, and have neglected prayer, and absented themselves from the Sabbath-school and the prayer-meeting; and from neglect of religious duties they have returned to their homes backslidden from God. A most important part of their education has been neglected. That which lies at the foundation of all true knowledge should not have been made a secondary consideration. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” [Psalm 111:10.] “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” [Matthew 6:33.] This must not be made last, but first.

To Be Like Jesus

Set Right Priorities in Life, June 19

BLJ 182.1

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33, NKJV.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

Eternal Life

1SAT 244.3

Here we are in a world that is unfavorable to right and truth. What shall we do? We must put our whole business into the business of serving God. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). You have a God who says, “If ye keep my commandments I will bless you in your fields, and flocks, and herds, and vineyards, and all that you put your hand unto.” The God of heaven has placed a benediction upon them that keep the commandments of God. Shall we stand as a peculiar people of God, or shall we trample upon the law of God and say it is not binding? God might just as well have abolished Himself. In the law every specification is the character of the infinite God.

The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials

Chapter 115—The Vision at Salamanca

1888 934.4

The Review and Herald Office is not in a right position before God. The Lord requires that every one of His servants do His bidding, but there is a great neglect of this. The atmosphere in the Review Office is not healthful. The managers are not fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. While they profess to believe the Bible they fail in practicing its teachings. They are hearers but not doers of the Word. The heavenly graces are not in the heart and woven into the character. The requirement is, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” Matthew 6:33. The truth as it is in Jesus will lead men to make Christ first and the world second. They will not engage in the sacred work of God without most earnestly seeking heavenly direction, because Christ has said, “Without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5.

From Heaven With Love

The Temptation to Doubt

HLv 73.4

Often the follower of Christ is brought where it appears that obedience to some plain requirement of God will cut off his means of support. Satan would make him believe he must sacrifice his conscientious convictions. But the only thing on which we can rely is the Word of God. See Matthew 6:33. When we learn the power of His Word, we shall not follow the suggestions of Satan in order to obtain food or save our lives. We shall obey God’s command and trust His promise.

From the Heart

What Does the Christian Gain? May 2

FH 134.1

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33.

Homeward Bound

Reaching Out After God, March 20

HB 97.1

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.—Matthew 6:33.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 1, 1868

1LtMs, Lt 1, 1868, par. 4

Our meeting to Clyde, Whiteside County was a good, solemn meeting. Our labor was for the church. Many seemed aroused and covenanted to seek first the kingdom of heaven and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), and believe God that He would add all things that they needed. Many confessions were made with tears and brokenness of heart.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 18, 1870

2LtMs, Lt 18, 1870, par. 13

Well, Edson, do not make too great exertions at once to get everything. Get along with as little as possible and try to make your payments if possible. This will be for your interest. If Father sees you anxious to make your payments and not be careless in this direction, he will feel encouraged to help you and make it as easy for you as possible; but do not injure your health to do this. Your capital of strength is more valuable than any amount of property. Move cautiously. Make God your counselor. “Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. It is safe to put your trust in God and keep His fear ever before you.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 22, 1870

2LtMs, Lt 22, 1870, par. 6

My very dear children, be not content to live in a backslidden state destitute of the Spirit of God. The Light of life you need every moment. You cannot afford to live for your own selfish interest. God has claims upon you, my dear children, that you cannot be released from [even] if you desire it. You must both render an account to God for every day of your life. Your daily life record is passing up to God. What does it bear? Does it tell of unsanctified desires, unfulfilled duties, unfaithfulness, slighting the mercies Jesus freely presents for our acceptance; or will it tell of self-denial and persevering effort to separate from sin and iniquity that we may perfect holiness in the fear of God? What, children, I ask you, does the recording angel testify of you? The heavenly artist is faithfully daguerreotyping your life for you to meet again. Live not merely for the present, I beg of you. Let not selfish interest shut out your Saviour from your minds and hearts. If you have neglected heavenly things, if you have been swallowed up in worldly cares, if your conversation has been mainly upon the interest you have in this life, repent of this without delay and heed the words of Christ, who died to save you, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33.

Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene

Chapter 19—Fragments

CTBH 162.1

The consciousness of right-doing is the best medicine for diseased bodies and minds. The special blessing of God resting upon the receiver is health and strength. A person whose mind is quiet and satisfied in God, is in the pathway to health. To have a consciousness that the eyes of the Lord are upon us, that his ears are open to our prayers, is a satisfaction indeed. To know that we have a never-failing Friend to whom we can confide all the secrets of the soul, is a privilege which words can never express. Those whose moral faculties are beclouded by disease are not the ones rightly to represent the Christian life or the beauties of holiness. They are too often in the fire of fanaticism, or the water of cold indifference or stolid gloom. The words of Christ are of more worth than the opinions of all the physicians in the universe: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 8, 1873

2LtMs, Lt 8, 1873, par. 10

Sister Diggins, I feel my heart drawn out in tenderness and love to you. I am so anxious that you should take your stand decidedly on the Lord’s side. You are not ignorant of the charms of Jesus. You acknowledge in your heart that you love His spotless character, and you desire to be like Jesus, but you hesitate to put on Christ and openly acknowledge yourself as one of His disciples. May you have strength to overcome your timidity, and hesitate no longer to take your position under the bloodstained banner of the cross of Christ, is my prayer. Dear sister, worldly things and worldly company cannot supply the place of Christ in the soul. They only are blessed whose chief concern is to secure those blessings which will nourish the soul and endure forever. Our Saviour says to us, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. God has a care for us, even to bestow His temporal blessings upon us. Our earthly good is not beneath the notice of our heavenly Father. He knoweth that we have need of these things. He knoweth our frame, and is acquainted with our fears. “Godliness is profitable unto all things having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 6, 1871

2LtMs, Lt 6, 1871, par. 9

I appeal to you, my dear children, Edson and Emma, to make diligent work in securing the eternal. Neglect not a preparation for the better life. Seek, o seek diligently, for purity of heart and holiness of life, and be the servants of the heavenly King who has given you every evidence of how highly He values your souls by dying to ransom you from the claims of Satan. Now will you show your allegiance to this your best, your truest Friend, by yielding to Him your best and holiest affections? Will you lay at His feet your all—your influence, your talents, your entire being—to work for His glory? Your interest should not come first. Said the heavenly Teacher: “Seek ye first (in all the pursuits of life) the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all things shall be added.” [Matthew 6:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 30a, 1876

3LtMs, Lt 30a, 1876, par. 3

I do not feel free to have you do as you are doing without a remonstrance. I think you are working too hard. And, as in other days, your religious interest is being sacrificed or swallowed up for the poor return of the profits gained by hard work. This will not pay. You cannot afford to disconnect from God. It has been a fearful venture in the past and very poor pay. It will be still worse in the future because you have greater light, and God has blessed you with a spirit of labor to be a help to others in Sabbath School and meetings. While you make the kingdom of heaven your first business, God will prosper you, but when you sink your eternal interest into your business, grasping for wages brought to you by constant and wearing taxation, it will not pay. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” and the promise is “all these things shall be added.” [Matthew 6:33.] May God help you, my dear children, to work with the greatest interest for the better life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 38, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 38, 1886, par. 7

It is very important to know whom we are following. There are precious victories for us to gain. “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24. But how apt men are to shrink from the reproach that the truth will bring and then be led to disobey the requirements of God. There have been those in the past who have suffered for the truth’s sake. It was to them dearer than life, and men lost their lives to gain eternal life. It will not be surprising if we have to suffer, if we are tried. When these trials come, it may be on account of temporal things, but we must not allow the things of this life to govern us. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. If we are sanctified through the truth, then we shall let nothing come between us and our duty to God. “What is a man profited, if he should gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26. There are many who exchange their souls for this life. But what is a man profited if he should gain this world? for he cannot have this world and the one to come.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 40, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 40, 1890, par. 65

The Review and Herald Office is not in a right position before God. The Lord requires that every one of His servants do His bidding, but there is a great neglect of this. The atmosphere in the Review Office is not healthful. The managers are not fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. While they profess to believe the Bible they fail in practising its teachings. They are hearers but not doers of the Word. The heavenly graces are not in the heart and woven into the character. The requirement is, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” Matthew 6:33. The truth as it is in Jesus will lead men to make Christ first and the world second. They will not engage in the sacred work of God without most earnestly seeking heavenly direction, because Christ has said, “Without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 36, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 36, 1890, par. 21

This is our first work. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all things else shall be added.” [Matthew 6:33.] No man can honor God who burdens himself with a multitude of cares so that love and zeal for Bible truth shall become a second consideration. The influence of the pure truth must sanctify the soul. Every moment the Christian will feel the entire dependence of the helpless upon the helpful. Our God requires more than many will give Him—high, devoted endeavor to keep God’s property, His church in a healthful prosperity. This is the solemn trust Christ has placed in the hands of His servants. There must be no robbery of God in these matters of eternal interests.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 62, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 62, 1890, par. 2

Jesus says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” [Matthew 6:33.] Christ must be first, and the world second. If men possessed the truth as it is in Jesus, they would not engage in the sacred work in carelessness of spirit, but would most earnestly seek for heavenly direction. They would realize the truth of the Saviour’s words, “Without me ye can do nothing.” [John 15:5.] I have been instructed of the Lord that those who are bearing responsibilities in the work need now the anointing of the Spirit of God, to quicken their perceptions, clear their vision, that they may no longer fail to discern sacred and eternal realities. The relative importance of eternal and temporal matters should be better understood. Then the workers will not make an atom of a world, and a world of an atom.

Conflict and Courage

First Things First, December 30

CC 370.1

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 40a, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 40a, 1890, par. 68

The Review and Herald Office is not in a right condition before God. The atmosphere in the office is not healthful. The managers are not fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. While they profess to believe the Bible, they fail to practice its teachings. They are hearers but not doers of the Word. The heavenly graces are not found in the heart or woven in the character. Jesus says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” [Matthew 6:33.] Christ must be first and the world second.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 40, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 40, 1890, par. 6

My brother, Uriah Smith, whom I have loved and respected in the Lord, you have been working at cross-purposes with God, practicing upon yourself deceptions which, if you continue as you have done, will be succeeded with deceptions and delusions which will end in irrevocable separation from God. He calls you. Clear the King’s highway, remove the stumbling blocks out of the path, dare not to do a surface work here, for others have looked to you and followed your example far more than they have looked to God and sought His counsel. They will go no farther than you will go. Confess your mistakes; confess fully; leave not a stone unturned. The True Counsellor is expostulating with you and entreats you that you cheat not your soul of eternal happiness. There is one thing that you may seek with all your powers. He points you upward, and would have your thoughts in heaven from whence comes your hope and your daily supplies. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” [Matthew 6:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 6a, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 6a, 1890, par. 70

All your plans will prove a failure unless you are actuated by higher motives, and upheld by greater strength than you can have of yourself. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] There will be no taste for trifling conversation in those who are looking unto Jesus for strength, depending upon His righteousness for salvation. By faith they accept Jesus as their personal Saviour, and become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 94, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 94, 1892, par. 2

Now I, your mother, beseech you in the name of Christ to stop and learn the lessons that He would teach you. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] I regard this new business enterprise as another scheme of Satan to lure you on, keep you elated with the hope of wonderful success just ahead; and the result is time and money consumed, and heavy debts for me to meet. Now, my son, this cannot go on any longer. I am distressed beyond measure that you write me no letters. The worldly projects, the disappointments, have, I fear, weaned your affections even from your mother.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 23a, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 23a, 1892, par. 17

This absorption in worldly things leaves no time for calm meditation and devotion. Men have neither time nor strength for wise planning how to do the Lord’s work with simplicity and accuracy. There is no fervor of spirit in serving the Lord. Let all the moments be summed up, and with very many the record books of heaven testify to one long list of acts of robbery toward God. It was for the soul’s interest to think of Him, but He was forgotten, crowded out of the mind. Religion must give place to business. The words of God have been dismissed from the mind, His counsels have been slighted. Hath not God said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness”? [Matthew 6:33.] But who are doing this? Professed Christians are deliberately setting aside the simplest and most clearly stated injunctions contained in the Word of God. How can such men grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 14, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 14, 1893, par. 13

Christ came to our world that He might take it and place it in a proper position. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] We must have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Do you not think that Satan uses those who serve him to tempt us? We must not be tempted by their enchantments. We must search the Scriptures for ourselves. Do we want to be on the side of the world with those that said to release Barabbas; but crucify Christ? Is there one here who has been drawn away with the enchantments of the world? What we want is a Saviour. We want to acknowledge Him before men.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 47, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 47, 1893, par. 4

We believe that there are many families in America who have a knowledge of the truth, who would be blessed of God if they would come to this country and settle in such places as Auckland, and while sustaining themselves by their own labor, as they are now doing, labor to hold up the standard of truth in the cities and villages where there are thousands who know not the shortness of time. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.” [Matthew 6:33.] Oh that men would be more in earnest to communicate to others the light and grace that they have so freely received.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 109, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 109, 1893, par. 5

There are very many who profess religion who do not know what religion means to them personally. They flatter themselves that it is doing their best and then trusting in Jesus to fill out the rest that is required. Very marked outrageous actions they must not do, and they purpose they will not do. They will not commit murder, or steal, or tell direct lies. There is a larger class of these religionists than many of us suppose, but they have not the genuine article. Such a class do not hear with their ears and understand with their heart to obey the words of Christ, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things (referring to His precious lessons of instruction) shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

Teachers and Teaching

CT 64.3

There is another kind of education that is very different. Its fundamental principle, as stated by the greatest Teacher the world has ever known, is, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.” Matthew 6:33. Its aim is not selfish; its purpose is to honor God and to serve Him in the world. Both the studies pursued and the industrial training sought have this object in view. The word of God is studied; a vital connection with God is maintained, and the better feelings and traits of character are brought into exercise. This kind of education produces results as lasting as eternity. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10), and better than all knowledge is an understanding of His word.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 87, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 87, 1893, par. 15

I introduced the subject of the Lord’s claims upon us. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added.” [Matthew 6:33.] I sought to impress him that the Lord called him to do His service, that he was to consider himself the Lord’s property by creation and redemption. All the powers of his mind that he put into his business, every reasoning ability, all aptitude and sharp thinking, were given him of God and were needed in the Lord’s service. We had a season of prayer with him and his wife, and then returned in a hack to Dr. Caro’s. Oh that men would only give to the Lord that which is His due! What an army of faithful soldiers would stand under the banner of Jesus Christ!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 73, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 73, 1893, par. 3

You say you have no religious inclinations. I am not surprised at this, because it is a long time since you have taken yourself away from God and refused to be a follower of Jesus Christ, and changed leaders. The god whom you have chosen as your god is not at all religiously inclined, and as long as you give yourself [as] a willing subject to the great leader of apostasy, you will never be religiously inclined. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Here the conditions are plainly stated by Jesus Christ, the Sin-bearer. When you deliberately decide to go contrary to the word spoken by Jesus Christ, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” [Matthew 6:33], how can you expect to be religiously inclined? To enlarge our views of His condescension and beneficence, He presents the picture of the judgment—the separation of the just and unjust—and shows us He identifies His interests with suffering humanity. He is teaching in the open field where the eye can take in the beauties of nature and the creatures of God’s creation.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 12, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 12, 1894, par. 16

Here we are in a world that is unfavorable to right and truth, and what shall we that want to serve God do? What shall we do? We must put our whole business into the business of serving God. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] Because you have got a God who says, “If ye keep my commandments I will bless you in your fields, and flocks, and herds, and vineyards, and all that you put your hand unto.” The God of Heaven has placed a benediction upon them that keep the commandments of God. Shall we stand as a peculiar people of God or shall we trample upon the law of God and say it is not binding? God might just as well have abolished Himself. In the law every specification is the character of the infinite God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 90, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 90, 1894, par. 1

I received both of your letters and was much pleased with their contents. These are the letters I have longed to receive from your pen, and I am so grateful that you are experiencing the blessed assurance of the truthfulness of the promise, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] I am so grateful to God that you have been learning the most precious of lessons—that our God is, and that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 19, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 19, 1894, par. 1

At the very time when your minds should have been drawn away from self and selfishness, when you should have been seeking God with all the heart, in order that you might know by your individual experience what the words of the great Teacher mean when He says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness” [Matthew 6:33], you were studying yourselves. You did not commit to God your souls or your bodies. Your ideas, your imaginings became perverted. You dwelt upon your weakness, your individual inconveniences and little trials, forgetting the example you had been given in the work and mission of Christ. You thought you were having a hard time when you were not.

9LtMs, Lt 19, 1894, par. 8

Self and selfishness form the god that many worship. They consult their own selfish pleasure, and permit inclination to rule their spirit, soul, and body. They give strength and time to unimportant matters, to anything and everything that diverts the mind from God. The Word of Christ has very little place in their experience, and they do not heed the command, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 28, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 28, 1894, par. 11

There are some here who are questioning as to whether they shall be obedient to the light which they have seen, or whether they will make a compromise with conscience. Character is being determined by the manner in which the truth is being treated. The voice of Christ is heard saying, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] Whom do we love best, Jesus or the enemy of Christ? On which side are you to stand? You will do the bidding of him whom you love. We may all judge what is the character by the fruits that are borne. God wants every one to come unto Him. Christ says, “Follow me.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 80, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 80, 1894, par. 29

At every opportunity shall we not echo the words of Christ? Shall we not bear in mind that religion can bless only where it influences? Shall we exclude ourselves from the privilege of giving to our <household and> neighbors and to the world the last message of mercy? Shall we not rather show by <our> earnestness that we believe just what we profess to believe—that the Lord is soon coming? This is our work, and to every man God has given his work. Selfish interests are not to intervene between us and the work. The Lord says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 105, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 105, 1894, par. 1

Marriage is a serious thing, and should not be entered upon in a thoughtless and reckless way. The father of a family should be pure and upright, not enslaved by any habit or practice that will work against his usefulness and hinder his elevation of character. The father is the head of the house and upon him rest the weightiest responsibilities. He is the house-band to bind the family circle together. Like the father of the faithful, he is to combine faith and works. His family is his heritage, and is under his supervision and control. It is not possible for him to be faithful to his God-given trust and succeed in making his family a sample of the family of heaven, unless he counts his temporal business as a matter of secondary importance, and gives the love and fear of God the first place in his affections. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.]

God’s Amazing Grace

Our Top Priority, January 13

AG 21.1

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 90, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 90, 1895, par. 21

The Lord owns you all. The Lord has chosen Daniel to be his own child, to be used in the work and cause of God for the glory of the Master. I speak to you, Daniel: Give your heart to the Lord. Take your stand for Jesus. Heaven is worth everything to you. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] I call upon the Brethren Wessels to help one another in working along Christ’s lines. I entreat of you to work in such a way as to build up one another. Do not let variance come in, but work in harmony in glorifying God. The Lord desires that you give yourselves wholly to Him. When you are discouraged, go to Him, and pray to Him. Do not hide your talents by burying them in worldly enterprises. The day of the Lord is fast hastening, and the exhortation to us is, “Work while the day lasts; for lo, the night cometh, in which no man can work.” [See John 9:4.] Precious time is being wasted, and the money which belongs to God is kept from his treasury by binding it up in worldly enterprises.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 13, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 13, 1896, par. 14

No one can be a sincere Christian unless he is a laborer together with God, unless he belongs to the family of workers. We must ever bear in mind that we are in co-partnership with God. His work and His cause demand the first consideration. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 53, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 53, 1896, par. 2

Few understand what is comprehended in true education. The larger number of people take but a surface view of this matter and obtain their education without considering that the Lord Jesus Christ should be directly connected with it. Selfishness, self-exaltation, and self-glorification form the sum and substance, the aim and object, of much of the education of today. Students spend much time and money in gaining that knowledge which is not at all essential, and which they only use to gratify their selfish ambition. They use their education for a purpose of glorifying themselves, crowding their minds with that which is not necessary, because they wish to be counted as learned by the world, and therefore must include everything that is included in education from the world’s standpoint. But all zeal to obtain knowledge aside from God’s wisdom [only] places God’s entrusted gifts on the enemy’s side. By their wrong practices and habits many students carry on Satan’s work, and Christ, who has given His life, that through His own humiliation, suffering, and ignominious death He might make a way for them to win the life immortal in the kingdom of God, is dishonored by their course of action. They need to learn the lesson taught by the greatest Teacher the world ever knew, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 109, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 109, 1896, par. 27

You need to put on the whole armor of God, and, as a valiant soldier, fight manfully the battles of the Lord. There is in the minds of men a fatal propensity to serve the world, subordinating eternal interests to business cares, as if earthly things were superior to those of heaven. Jesus understood the danger of the love of riches, for He said, “How hard it is for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God.” [Mark 10:24.] He looked with pity upon the enthusiasm that men were showing for the things that perish, and lifting the curtain that veiled eternity from their view, He declared, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” [Matthew 6:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 8, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 8, 1896, par. 28

The Old and New Testament Scriptures need to be studied daily. The knowledge of God and the wisdom of God come to the student who is a constant learner of His ways and works. The Bible is to be our light, our educator. When we will acknowledge God in all our ways, when the youth are educated to believe that God sends the rain and the sunshine from heaven, causing vegetation to flourish, when they are taught that all blessings come from Him, and that thanksgiving and praise [are] due to Him, when with fidelity they acknowledge God and discharge their duties day by day, and God will be in all their thoughts; they can trust Him for tomorrow, and that anxious care that brings unhappiness to so many lives will be avoided. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 32, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 32, 1896, par. 8

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] Is this your object in life? All things needful cluster round this great and glorious point—the kingdom of God. Your only object being to amuse yourself, you will make shipwreck of your faith. Kneel before God just as you are, and say, I bring to Thee my soul which Thou hast purchased. Had I improved my opportunities, I should not now be dwarfed in religious experience. But I have wasted my opportunities. Wilt Thou pardon me for spurning Thy love? Wilt Thou give me strength to war the good warfare in Thy name?

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 57, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 57, 1896, par. 14

Had Daniel and his fellows consented to such a compromise, they would, in the view of the Babylonians, have been complete as statesmen, fit to be entrusted with the affairs of the kingdom. But the four Hebrews entered into no such arrangement. They were true to God, and God upheld them and honored them. The lesson is for us. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 74, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 74, 1896, par. 34

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] There will be no relish for trifling conversation on the part of those who are looking to Jesus for strength, depending upon His righteousness for salvation. By faith they accept Christ as their personal Saviour, and become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 69a, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 69a, 1896, par. 1

Marriage is a serious business and should not be entered into thoughtlessly and recklessly. The father of the family should be pure, upright, free from the slavery of any habit or practice that will not elevate, ennoble, and enlarge his usefulness. He is to be the head, the center of the family, bearing the weightiest responsibilities. He is the houseband, to bind the family circle together like Abraham, the father of the faithful, combining faith and works together, each having their respective places. His family is his heritage, under his influence, supervision, and control. Therefore it is not possible for him to be faithful to his God given trust to make his family a sample of the family of heaven unless business shall take a secondary place and the love and fear of God the first place. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.]

In Heavenly Places

Letters to Heaven, March 5

HP 71.6

We are to seek “first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). We are to be ready to receive the blessing which God will bestow upon those who seek Him with the whole heart, in sincerity and truth. We must keep the heart open if we would receive of the grace of Christ.5The Signs of the Times, November 18, 1903.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 80, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 80, 1897, par. 8

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness,” said Christ. [Matthew 6:33.] This is the positive requirement of God. But this, the simplest, plainest injunction contained in the Word of Him who is judge of every man’s actions, has been deliberately set aside. Men connected with the Review and Herald office have departed from Christian principles to carry out a system of sharp practice. They have flattered themselves that it was the cause of God to be advantaged at the loss of others, therefore they would gather from every source possible to bring money into the treasury. But God declares, I hate robbery for burnt-offerings. [Isaiah 61:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 23, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 23, 1897, par. 19

What has Jesus, the precious Saviour of the world, done that human, finite beings should put Him to open shame, and thus crucify Him afresh? Satan has remarkable power over all who open their hearts to temptation. But the mind, the character, the reason, belong to God. Christ is saying, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] But you are saying, “I will not do as Christ has said. I will seek my own interest first; I want none of God’s ways.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 163a, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 163a, 1898, par. 10

Our eternal interest depends upon our obedience to the law, and therefore we are to make it our first business to seek the Lord most earnestly, that we may have a knowledge of Him. This is to be our first consideration. All else is to be made secondary to this object. The Word which is our guide, declares, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 102, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 102, 1898, par. 2

The Lord has sent His message. His Word is to be preached, that men may understand the doctrine. We must hear with the ear of faith. The Word is not preached to please the ear, but that it may be believed and practiced. All who hear the Word are to be doers of the Word. The Saviour seeks to impress our minds with the necessity of charity, love, that earnest prayer that will ascend to God from hearts that are sincere in their religious duties. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,” He says, “and all things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 69, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 69, 1898, par. 7

All this has been unwise. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,” said Christ. [Matthew 6:33.] This is to be the first business. Brother Hughes has not shunned the labor on the land, but to maintain the two interests was too much for the human strength to endure. There must not be a repetition of this again. The Lord would not have our brother and sister pass over the same experience in the future that they have in the past. Nothing of complaint has come to me from them, but these workers are of value to God, and they must be considered. Arrangements must be made that will save the precious talents of these workers, whose influence we cannot have separated from the school by unadvised movements.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 44, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 44, 1898, par. 39

These words are full of meaning to all who claim to be followers of Christ. We are to guard against deception. Every professor of godliness is like the piece of silver which a trader tests by ringing it on the counter, to see if it has the true ring. Christ has given His people the lessons essential for them to practice. Would that all who claim to be Christians would be doers of the words, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] There is one who constantly watches over those who seek to work out the principles here involved.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 96, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 96, 1898, par. 10

That voice was virtually saying, Your great need is Christ, and Christ needs you through whom to communicate His light. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] When this instruction is followed, Christian consistency will be seen in every movement made.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 5a, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 5a, 1898, par. 3

This has been unwise. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness,” Christ says. [Matthew 6:33.] This is to be the first business. Brother Hughes has not shunned the labor on the land; but to maintain the two interests has been too much for the human strength to endure. There must not be a repetition of this. The Lord would not have our Brother and Sister Hughes pass through the same experience in the future that they have in the past.

In Heavenly Places

In Touch With the Infinite, May 16

HP 143.3

There is another kind of education that is very different. Its fundamental principle, as stated by the greatest Teacher the world has ever known, is, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Its aim is not selfish; its purpose is to honor God.... God is the source of all wisdom. He is infinitely wise and just and good. Apart from Christ, the wisest men that ever lived cannot comprehend Him. They may profess to be wise; they may glory in their attainments; but mere intellectual knowledge, aside from the great truths that center in Christ, is as nothingness....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 81, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 81, 1899, par. 8

This parable was given by Christ to impress upon the human mind the relation man sustains toward God. He would have man render to Him His own. He who has [been] blessed with reasoning powers may reach a high standard, meeting with success in everything he undertakes. The Saviour charges, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way which leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. For strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be which find it.” “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 7:13, 14; 6:33.] This is to be our first consideration. Then make not second in interest that which should come first.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 59, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 59, 1899, par. 3

We read the biographies of Christians, and think their experience and attainments entirely out of our reach. These, we say, are the histories of a few who are specially favored by grace. But these high attainments are for all. Christ died for every soul, and we are assured by God’s Word that He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him than parents are to give good gifts to their children. We may be engaged in the common duties of every day life, but we can make them sacred by simple, earnest faith and persevering, trusting prayer. However humble the duty, it is a part of the service of God. Religion must be made the first great business of life. Christ enjoins us to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” [Matthew 6:33.] God is honored by the steadfast integrity, the holy walk and conversation, of His people, even in the humblest walks of life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 33, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 33, 1901, par. 2

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] This is the condition God has made. This is the foundation stone upon which we must build. This is to be our very first work. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” The work of seeking includes much. In it the heart, mind, soul, and strength are to be enlisted. This affects the entire character, as is shown in the first chapter of second Peter. All who will follow the principles outlined in this chapter secure for themselves life insurance papers as they seek for the righteousness of Christ. They become one with the Saviour. They are made partakers of the divine nature. The character is molded after the similitude of Christ. It grows into a holy temple for the Lord. Through them light shines forth to the church and to the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 26, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 26, 1901, par. 17

The prospect of Christ’s near coming is not to hinder God’s people from being industrious. None are to be idle. All are to be industrious for God. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] We are to be perfect in our work even as God is perfect in His work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 229, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 229, 1902, par. 23

And if we follow on to know the Lord after our baptism, if we do just as it is told us to do, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” [Colossians 3:1.]—now this is what the Lord wants every one of us to do, to claim the power of the Highest. Make it your first business. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] The necessary things of temporal life, He was talking about.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 5 [Nos. 260-346]

MR No. 318—The Christian Pathway

5MR 258.2

It is very important to know whom we are following. There are precious victories for us to gain. “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” [Matthew 16:24.] But how apt men are to shrink from the reproach that the truth will bring and then be led to disobey the requirements of God. There have been those in the past who have suffered for the truth’s sake. It was to them dearer than life, and men lost their lives to gain eternal life. It will not be surprising if we have to suffer, if we are tried. When these trials come, it may be on account of temporal things, but we must not allow the things of this life to govern us. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] If we are sanctified through the truth, then we shall let nothing come between us and our duty to God. “What is a man profited, if he should gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” [Matthew 16:26.] There are many who exchange their souls for this life. But what is a man profited if he should gain this world? For he cannot have this world and the one to come.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 143, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 143, 1902, par. 8

Man’s ingenuity, his judgment, his power to execute, all come from God. To God’s service all should be devoted. The principles of the Bible are to control the Lord’s servants. His workers are ever to do justice and judgment, steadfastly keeping the way of the Lord. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” [Matthew 6:33.] Make this the point round which your life centers, and then all things needful will be given you. Put the Redeemer’s interests before your own or those of any other human being. He has bought you, and all your powers belong to Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 263, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 263, 1903, par. 7

God sees the struggle that is to take place in our world, the whole progress and outcome of which has been traced in the pages of His Word. He sees also the diseased, defective spiritual eyesight of His people, which prevents them from discerning their own deficiencies and from taking an earnest interest in the things of eternity. Christ calls upon the members of His church to cherish the true, genuine hope of the gospel. He points them upward, distinctly assuring them that the riches that endure are above, not below. Their hope is in heaven, not on the earth. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness,” He says, “and all these things”—all that is essential for your good—“will be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 109, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 109, 1903, par. 8

The things that concern our eternal welfare are now to absorb our attention. We cannot tell how long our lives may be spared. Let us therefore keep the heart with all diligence. We cannot afford to give heavenly things the second place. Christ says, “Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all things will be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] Our reasoning powers are to be concentrated on the themes that have to do with everlasting life.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 3, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 3, 1903, par. 6

Man’s ingenuity, his judgment, his power to execute, all come from God. To God’s service all should be devoted. The principles of the Bible are to control the Lord’s servants. His workers are ever to do justice and judgment, steadfastly keeping the way of the Lord. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” [Matthew 6:33.] Make this the point round which your life centers, and then all things needful will be given you. Put the Redeemer’s interests before you own or those of any other human being. He has bought you, and all your powers belong to Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 207, 1904

19LtMs, Lt 207, 1904, par. 1

I plead with God, as your true and faithful mother and father would wish me to do, that He will save you from making shipwreck of the faith. Tempted and perplexed by Satan, you have lost much of great value out of your life experience that you might have retained and developed. Had you cultivated for wise and good purposes the talents God has given you, you would now be a power in the proclamation of the truth for this time. But you have not given your heart and mind unreservedly to the service of the Master. You have not obeyed the words, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] But there is yet time for you to give yourself wholly to the work of the Lord.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 12, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 12, 1907, par. 6

The salvation of souls should be our first consideration. I am troubled when I see many rejoicing in temporal prosperity; for those who possess worldly treasure seldom seek earnestly to secure the heavenly. They are in danger of falling into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown man in destruction. To those who seek the heavenly treasure, a more cheerful and encouraging prospect is held out. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33.] “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold upon eternal life.” [1 Timothy 6:17-19.]

The Review and Herald

March 29, 1870

RH March 29, 1870, par. 1

“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.” Matthew 6:33, 34.

Help In Daily Living

God Will Provide

HDL 21.3

The faithful discharge of today’s duties is the best preparation for tomorrow’s trials. Do not gather together all tomorrow’s liabilities and cares and add them to the burden of today. “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:34.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 63, 1912

25LtMs, Ms 63, 1912, par. 6

When Jesus said, “Follow Me,” how little they knew to what they were called! Had all the trials, disappointments, and sufferings that afterward came been opened before them, their hearts would have failed. But in His wisdom, God conceals the future from us. We have to do with the duties of today only. “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:34.

Maranatha

Food and Lands in the Last Days, June 22

Mar 181.1

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is evil thereof. Matthew 6:34.

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2

Chapter 50—Worry and Anxiety

2MCP 472.4

Taking One Day at a Time, a Most Important Principle—The faithful discharge of today’s duties is the best preparation for tomorrow’s trials. Do not gather together all tomorrow’s liabilities and cares and add them to the burden of today. “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matthew 6:34).—The Ministry of Healing, 481 (1905).

The Ministry of Healing

God Will Provide

MH 481.3

The faithful discharge of today’s duties is the best preparation for tomorrow’s trials. Do not gather together all tomorrow’s liabilities and cares and add them to the burden of today. “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:34.

The Upward Look

Strength for Today, January 30

UL 44.1

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. Matthew 6:34.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Be not therefore anxious for the morrow.... Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”—Matthew 6:34, R. V.

“Be not therefore anxious for the morrow.... Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”—Matthew 6:34, R. V.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Looking Unto Jesus

2TT 59.3

We need to trust in Jesus daily, hourly. He has promised that as our day is, our strength shall be. By His grace we may bear all the burdens of the present and perform its duties. But many are weighed down by the anticipation of future troubles. They are constantly seeking to bring tomorrow’s burdens into today. Thus a large share of all their trials are imaginary. For these, Jesus has made no provision. He promises grace only for the day. He bids us not to burden ourselves with the cares and troubles of tomorrow; for “sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:34.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 98d, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 98d, 1896, par. 1

Will you not bring all your troubles to Jesus? I have these words for you this morning, “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” [Matthew 6:34.]