What Does It Mean To Seek First The Kingdom Of God

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructed his followers to “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). This directive, while seemingly straightforward, has profound implications for how we live our lives and prioritize our actions.

The essence of this command is to prioritize the things of God above the things of the world. This doesn’t mean neglecting our daily responsibilities but instead adopting a different attitude.

As Christians, our primary focus should be on seeking God’s salvation, living in obedience to Him, and sharing the good news of the kingdom with others.

What Does It Mean To Seek First The Kingdom Of God

Understanding the Kingdom of God

The kingdom of God represents the reign of God in the hearts of men and the manifestation of His will on earth. To seek first the kingdom of God means to put God first in all you do and seek Him first when you wake up in the morning, when you embark on a project, etc.

This involves seeking the salvation inherent in God’s kingdom, which holds greater value than all worldly riches. This pursuit is not a call to abandon our daily duties but to approach them with a different mindset.

As we prioritize God’s business—seeking His salvation, living in obedience to Him, and sharing the good news of the kingdom—we can trust that He will take care of our needs as He promised in Matthew 6:33.

Evaluating Our Priorities

To truly understand if we are prioritizing the kingdom of our Heavenly Father first, evaluating our priorities is essential. Here are some reflective questions that I believe will help you answer the question:

Where do I invest my time and energy? Consider the activities that consume most of your time and energy. Are they aligned with the promises of God and righteousness, or are they mostly focused on worldly pursuits?
How do I use my resources? Reflect on how you use your resources especially financial resources. Are you investing in things with eternal value, or are your expenditures primarily on temporary, worldly goods?
What occupies my thoughts? Our thoughts often reveal what’s important to us which is usually reflected in out outward appearance. Are your thoughts mainly about God and His kingdom, or do worldly desires?

What are my life goals? Consider your long-term goals. Are they centered on achieving worldly success, or are they aimed at advancing God’s kingdom and living according to His righteousness?
How do I respond to challenges? In times of difficulty, do you turn first to God and trust in His wisdom, or do you rely on your strength first?

God’s Provision and Timing

At times, our perception of what we need may be centered around wealth or advancement in life. However, God may allow trials and tribulations to come our way. These challenging circumstances are not meant to harm us but to draw our attention to Him and deepen our reliance on His provision and grace.

Consider the biblical figures of Job and Elijah. Both of these men faced severe trials and tribulations. Job lost his wealth, children, and health, while Elijah was threatened and pursued by those who sought to kill him. Despite these hardships, they remained faithful to God, and He brought them through their trials in His infinite mercy.

Remembering that God’s timing may not always align with our expectations is essential. We may desire immediate relief from our trials, but God may allow them to persist for a time to accomplish His purposes in our lives. Through these experiences, we learn to trust in Him more deeply and to seek His kingdom above all else.

Key Takeaways

Seeking the kingdom of God first means prioritizing God’s will and His righteousness in our lives.

This pursuit involves seeking God’s salvation, living in obedience to Him, and sharing the good news of the kingdom.
God promises to provide for His own, but His idea of what we need and His timing may differ from ours.
The prosperity gospel, which promotes the idea that God wants all believers to be wealthy, is a misinterpretation of biblical teaching.

Seek First The Kingdom Of God Bible Verses

Matthew 6:10 – “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Luke 12:31 – “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”
Colossians 3:1-2 – “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Romans 14:17 – “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Psalm 63:1 – “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.”
Hosea 10:12 – “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.”

Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Matthew 6:33 – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Matthew 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

1 Chronicles 22:19 – “Now devote your heart and souls to seeking the Lord your God.”

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the essence of seeking first God’s kingdom, as seen in the book of Matthew, is a conscious decision to turn toward God versus anxiety or worry about worldly pursuits. This doesn’t imply neglecting our responsibilities, but rather, it calls for a shift in focus toward the righteousness of God.

The Word of God encourages us to seek God above all else, assuring us that God is faithful and that as we prioritize His kingdom, “all these things will be added unto” us. This means that even when God’s provision and timing don’t align with our expectations, we can trust His love and goodness.

In the end, seeking His kingdom and righteousness first means recognizing God’s role in our lives and standing firm in the faith, knowing that God loves us and is always ready to pour His goodness out on us.

FAQs On How To First Seek The Kingdom Of God