Ninatafuta hiyo shilingi moja

There is a Swahili phrase heard on the lips of many hardworking Kenyans: “Ninatafuta hiyo shilingi moja”—“I am looking for that one shilling.” It reflects everyday reality. Yet Scripture calls us to examine what has become our primary pursuit.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:32–33 (NKJV): “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

The issue is not whether we have needs. Our Father knows what we need. The issue is what we seek first. The Gentiles seek things; sons seek the Father.

Sonship Is Our Identity

Those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ have been brought into relationship with God as His children. Romans 8:29 says that we are predestined “to be conformed to the image of His Son.” God’s purpose is not merely to give us things, but to conform us to Christ.

Therefore, our primary pursuit should not be what God can give us, but God Himself.

We see this principle in King Uzziah. 2 Chronicles 26:5 says, “He sought God… and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper.” Notice the order: Uzziah sought God, and God caused him to prosper. Prosperity was not his pursuit; God was.

How Sons Seek God

Seeking God is not merely attending church or praying only when we have a need. It is a lifestyle of relationship, dependence, gratitude, and obedience.

First, seek your Father when you wake up. Psalm 63:1 says, “Early will I seek You.” Before the demands of the day, turn your heart toward God through prayer and His Word.

Second, seek Him before you sleep. Commit your concerns, victories, and tomorrow into His hands. Psalm 3:5 reminds us that the Lord sustains us, while Psalm 127:2 says He gives His beloved sleep. A son can rest because he knows his Father is at work.

Third, give God the glory in every victory. Isaiah 42:8 declares, “My glory I will not give to another.” Sons receive blessings but never forget the Blesser.

Fourth, understand your inheritance. 1 Corinthians 3:21 says, “For all things are yours.” The son receives what the Father provides.

Fifth, be led by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Sons learn the Shepherd’s voice and follow His direction.

Seek God First

Jeremiah 33:3 reminds us that when we call upon God, He answers and reveals great things.

So work hard. Pursue excellence. Conduct business. Provide for your family. Be diligent. But never allow the pursuit of “that one shilling” to become greater than your pursuit of the One who owns it all.

Sons seek the Father. The Father knows what His sons need. Seek God first, and let everything else be an addition.

Be blessed.

Rev. Elias