33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33, King James Version)
What is a “kingdom”? I once heard GTA explain that a kingdom is a nation that has grown large, a nation is a tribe that has grown large, and a tribe is a family that has grown large. What this should mean to us, I would think, is that we should be equating entrance into the Kingdom of God with being a member of the Family of God.
The difference? Unlike our limited human fathers, Our Father can have a relationship with each and every one of us. Unlike our human siblings, Jesus can intercede for each and every one of us.
Is it really all about relationship?
3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3, King James Version)
As important as the other stuff is, we must want Jesus to truly know us.
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:23, King James Version)
Our sins can separate us so far from Jesus that He cannot know us. However, notice that keeping the commandments is one of the things we do to build the relationship. It is not the only thing (Bible study, prayer, meditation, fasting are others). However, all relationships have rules.
In the end, though, what is keeping rules just for the sake of keeping rules? What is the point of being in a family if no one interacts with each other (or even knows how)?
Sometimes, the emphasis can be put on the wrong things. The big picture becomes fuzzy, and a person can even lose sight of it if they aren’t careful.
Programmers/software developers/software engineers can be difficult to manage at times.
“What did you do this week?”
“I worked on project X.”
“It looks like it is in danger of slipping. Are you done?”
“Yes, I’m done.”
“So, it is ready for testing?”
“Well no, it’s done except for the Z module.”
“So, it’s not done?”
“It’s mostly done.”
This happens all the time in software shops all over. I imagine it happens in other industries as well. The problem is focusing on the short term and losing the perspective of where you are trying to go.