REASON
Reason is of this world and the things of this world. Reason is of the senses focused outwards into this world. Reason is of the knowledge gained through contemplation of sense experience; we think, visualize and compare to form judgments by a process called logic. So come; let us reason together concerning the teachings of Jesus.
What is the 'first thing' Jesus tells us to do? ..... reading Matthew 6:33, "seek ye first the kingdom of God."
However; Jesus also tells us that : "the kingdom of God cometh not with observation" (Lk 17:20), not using the physical senses, and therefore "reason" cannot be used . . . although reason can accidently lead a person to "seeking God", reason cannot reveal the things of God. It's a 'catch-22': reason can lead you to seeking God, but it prevents you from entering into the kingdom of God. And so, How do we find the kingdom of God that is within us if we can't use the physical senses and the power of reason?
Jesus tells us plainly in Mark 10:15, "VERILY I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." Now Jesus is not saying that you must become a little child, but that you must become "like" a little child, without reason, without using the physical senses, and without thinking when it comes to finding and entering into the kingdom of God. You cannot think, see, feel or mentally push your way into the kingdom of God.
"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them."(Mtt 18:2) Here Jesus picks up a little child and sets him in the midst of the disciples who were gathered around Jesus: this was a small child, a very young child easily picked up and moved, a little child not yet possessed by reason. NOTE: around the age of 5, children begin to develop rational thought, or reason, which begins to take control of the child's mind under the guise of common sense and maturity. Through identifying patterns and using the logic of reason, the child's ability to "make-believe" starts to fade and imaginary characters deminish.
Jesus repeats himself in John 3:3, reading, "VERILY, VERILY, I say unto you, except a man be born again (like a little child) he cannot 'see' the the kingdom of God." And then in John 3:5 we are told, reading in part, "VERILY, VERILY, I say unto you, except a man is born of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" , "because flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God." (1Co 15:50)
The kingdom of God is not of this world. The kingdom of God is spiritual and can only be found by going within like a little child. The power of reason must be set aside, making one child-like again; "for the carnal mind is enmity against God": meaning the carnal mind is actively opposed, even hostile to God and those of God. (Rm 8:7)
Know ye not that the friendship of this world is enmity with God? Know ye not that whosoever is a friend of this world is against God?
Be ye not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind; let this mind be in you which was also in Jesus. Put on the new man which is renewed in the knowledge after the image (Spirit) of him that created him: Jesus, having abolished in his flesh the enmity, to make in himself twain, one new man; to put on the new man, which after God, is created in righteousness.
The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand; it is within you.
Unto the child-like it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God. Repent and believe the gospel that ye may enter into the kingdom of God that is within you. Be converted by the "Word" of God, dividing asunder of the soul and spirit.(Heb 4:12)
Jesus says, "Why reason ye? Perceive ye not, neither understand? Having eyes, see ye not? Having ears, hear ye not? Do you not remember? The Comforter, the Spirit of God shall teach you all things, bringing all things to remembrance. (Jn 14:26)
Remember: we are cautioned not to cast our pearls before swine because "he that is born after the flesh persecutes him that is born after the Spirit: even so it is today." (Col 4:29)
THE FAITH