“From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.”

Matthew 11:12 ESV

There is a constant spiritual violence necessary if we want to move forward with the Lord Jesus.

This violence must be aimed primarily at self. We must be so violent and sacrificial with our selves that the best description of it is “I die daily.”

It’s death, it’s surrender, it is sacrificial yielding.

It’s not finding fulfillment and using your gifts, it’s not comfort and ease from the things money buys.

It is painful violent death (spiritually speaking)

Why would we or anyone willingly do such a thing?

Because we’ve gotten a glimpse of the Lord Jesus Christ, the only response to his beauty and glory is to lay down our little lives and run after him and see his kingdom invade our little corner of the earth.

Seeking Jesus Christ separates Christians like nothing else, regardless of denomination or background.

I mean daily seeking him. Not hiring a clergyman to seek for us. Not once a week sitting in a soft chair and tipping a preacher who has been seeking him.

I mean a life-pursuit. A lifelong pressing in… that can’t be easily turned away.

Jesus said “seek first”, I think he meant first as in priority.

If we have any inclination and desire to obey God, it will first be seen in seeking Jesus Christ, intensely, passionately, relentlessly.