The advice to put first things first is familiar to many of us. It may be used when we are considering what course of action to take in the solving of many types of problems that appear in connection with our work or our home or possibly with the road to health and happiness. But putting first things first is not confined to problem areas in our experience. since it can be carefully considered in the planning or arranging of almost anything from a shopping tour to a vacation.

The Bible has much to say on the subject of what must come first in our individual experience if we are to enjoy a happy, healthy, and abundant sense of life. The master Christian, Christ Jesus, stated plainly what must come first when he said (Matt. 6:33), "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." He made this statement after going over numerous things that men are prone to be interested in, such as what to eat, what to drink, and what to wear. Undoubtedly he knew that there would be those individuals who would be tempted to have more faith in the "things" than in first seeking the kingdom of God, for earlier in the chapter he gave the warning (verse 24), "No man can serve two masters." In other words, first things first!

Jesus did not leave any doubt about where the kingdom of God is to be found, for it is recorded that he said (Luke 17:21), "The kingdom of God is within you." The kingdom of God, then, is not in some far-off place "out there" and surrounded by a veil of mystery, but it is here and now within reach of each one of us. We can expect to demonstrate the statements of the Master to the extent that we understand them.

In ancient times there were those who caught glimpses of the fact that gaining understanding is of first importance, as witness the experience of King Solomon. When the Lord in a dream said to him (I Kings 3:5), "Ask what I shall give thee," Solomon, who at that period of his career was humble, replied, "I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in"; and then he asked for "an understanding heart." God was pleased with this response and granted Solomon not only "a wise and an understanding heart" but also that which he had not asked for, "both riches, and honour."

Some years ago in my own experience I found a great need for a better understanding of just what it was that I should do first to overcome the frustrating events that seemed to predominate in my experience. It came to me to ask myself the searching question, "What do you want most in your life?" At the time that the question was asked, I had been studying Christian Science for a number of years, but had never really been willing to make the serious effort to live in obedience to its teachings.

After a number of days of pondering this question, I wrote my answers on a sheet of paper in the following order: (1) I want to become worthy and acceptable as a member of a Church of Christ, Scientist; (2) I want to have the feeling of an abundant home, income, and so forth, and I want to feel successful in my field of labor; and (3) I want to be a good example of Christian Science lived.

Some years later I discovered this paper in a little-used file cabinet, and it was certainly interesting to compare the desires of that time with the results that had been experienced by putting first things first. Seeking the kingdom of God by earnestly undertaking the conscientious study of Christian Science and putting what I learned into practice in my daily life. I had become acceptable for membership in The Mother Church and also in a branch church.

The second desire, an abundant sense of home, was fulfilled as a direct result of success in the first—uniting with the Church of Christ, Scientist. This better understanding of abundance was accomplished in the degree that I progressed from day to day in my desire to live in God's kingdom by striving to demonstrate my highest concept of the truth as revealed in Christian Science. To live this Science gloriously is still my earnest desire.

To put first things first in every endeavor by seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness is a divine command; and the promise of all things being added unto us is fulfilled as we increase our understanding of the spiritual fact that the kingdom of God is within each one of us as a spiritual state of consciousness. To rise to and maintain this exalted state of consciousness, the individual is required to take the first step himself.

Without exception the first step in seeking the kingdom of God can be found in the words of our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 354): "Experience shows that humility is the first step in Christian Science, wherein all is controlled, not by man or laws material, but by wisdom, Truth, and Love."