For those who are here for the first time, we've been on a year-long journey studying Kingdom Character—building a life according to God's Word and understanding how it plays out in our daily lives. We are humbled to continue this exploration.
Kingdom Wealth and Heavenly Perspective
Last week, began a discussion on Kingdom Wealth. Word was spoken about the true value of heavenly treasures, reminding us that even the streets of heaven are paved with gold. On earth, we often place material wealth on a pedestal, but in the Kingdom of God, these things hold so little value that they’re used as pavement. Imagine if our roads were paved in gold—people would be out there with pickaxes, shovels, and trucks, trying to collect as much as they could. But in heaven, gold is just a stepping stone to something far greater.
The Power of Asking
Today, I want to speak to you from Matthew 7:7-12, focusing on three powerful statements: Ask, Seek, and Knock. Traditionally, we understand this passage as a guide for prayer, but I want to expand our understanding a bit.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)
The first step is Asking. In our relationships, whether close or distant, we often shy away from asking meaningful questions. But what if we took the time to genuinely ask someone, "How are you doing?"—and then actually listened to their response? Asking questions is not just about gathering information; it’s about building relationships, understanding, and showing that we care.
John Maxwell once said, "A good question informs, but a great question transforms." Jesus Himself asked over 300 questions in the Gospels, not because He didn’t know the answers, but because He wanted to engage with people, challenge their thinking, and transform their lives.
The Pursuit of Seeking
The next step is Seeking. After we ask, we must actively seek the answers and truths we desire. It’s not enough to ask questions—we must also be willing to search for the answers, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zones. Sometimes, seeking involves reaching out to those who are just beyond our reach, those we might usually overlook or avoid. It’s about being present, engaging with others, and showing up in their lives.
We live in a world where technology often stands between us and meaningful relationships. Our phones, social media, and entertainment can create a barrier, even when we’re physically close to others. But true seeking involves setting these distractions aside and being fully present with those around us.
Knocking: The Final Step
Finally, we come to Knocking. After we’ve asked and sought, we must knock—persistently and with faith. Knocking is an act of faith, believing that the door will be opened. It’s about taking action, stepping forward, and trusting that God will respond.
Self-Reflection and Transformation
As we consider these three actions—Asking, Seeking, and Knocking—I encourage you to reflect on your own life. Ask yourself:
- Am I approachable to others?
- Am I truly present in my relationships?
- Do I take time to listen and engage with those around me?
These are powerful questions that can transform not only our lives but also the lives of those we interact with.
Conclusion
In closing, let’s remember that our pursuit of Kingdom Character involves more than just understanding God's Word; it’s about living it out daily through our actions, our relationships, and our willingness to engage with others. Let’s ask questions that matter, seek truth with determination, and knock on the doors that God places before us, trusting that He will open them in His perfect time.