“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
— Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
Introduction
Every believer faces the daily tension between the urgent and the important. We live in a world that constantly demands our attention—work, family, ambitions, finances, and even the pursuit of personal dreams. Yet, in the midst of all these demands, the Lord Jesus gave us a command that reorders our priorities: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” This is not a casual suggestion but a divine instruction that carries eternal weight. To seek first the kingdom means to place God’s reign, His will, and His purpose above every other pursuit in life.
Understanding the Kingdom of God
The kingdom of God is not a physical territory like a nation with geographical boundaries. Jesus clarified this truth when He said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20–21).
The kingdom is the rule and reign of God in the hearts of men and women who submit to Him in obedience. It is a spiritual reality where the King, Jesus Christ, governs our lives, our decisions, and our values. To seek the kingdom means to pursue God’s will above our own, to live under His authority, and to advance His mission on earth.
Why Seek First the Kingdom?
1. Because It Is Eternal
Everything in this world is temporary. Riches fade, fame disappears, and even human life is but a vapor. The apostle John reminds us, “The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:17). Seeking the kingdom aligns us with eternal values that cannot be shaken.
2. Because It Puts God at the Center
God created us for Himself. When we put Him first, we fulfill the purpose for which we were made. Jesus warned in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Seeking first the kingdom ensures that our loyalty belongs to God alone.
3. Because It Brings Divine Provision
Jesus promised that when we seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first, “all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33). This means that our heavenly Father takes responsibility for our needs—food, clothing, shelter, and more. We do not have to live in anxiety or fear because God knows what we need even before we ask Him (Matthew 6:31–32).
How Do We Seek First the Kingdom?
1. By Making God’s Word Our Guide
The Word of God is the foundation of His kingdom. To seek first the kingdom, we must live according to the Scriptures. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” When we align our decisions with God’s Word, we walk in His will and advance His kingdom.
2. By Pursuing Righteousness
Jesus linked the kingdom with righteousness. To seek His righteousness is to pursue holiness, integrity, and godly character. Romans 14:17 tells us, “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” As believers, we must reflect the character of our King in how we live.
3. By Living a Life of Prayer
Prayer connects us to the heart of God and aligns us with His will. Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10). When we pray, we invite God’s reign into our lives, our families, and our communities.
4. By Serving Others and Advancing the Gospel
The kingdom of God advances when believers live as witnesses of Christ. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19–20). Seeking first the kingdom means investing our time, resources, and gifts in the service of others and the spread of the gospel.
5. By Trusting God with Our Needs
We cannot truly seek first the kingdom if we are consumed with worry about tomorrow. Jesus said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34). Trust frees us to prioritize God’s kingdom, knowing He is faithful to provide.
Practical Steps for Daily Living
- Begin Each Day with God – Before checking your phone, attending to work, or engaging in conversations, start with prayer and the Word. Offer the day to God.
- Evaluate Your Priorities – Ask yourself, “Is what I am pursuing today aligned with God’s kingdom and righteousness?”
- Use Your Resources for the Kingdom – Whether it is your money, skills, or time, dedicate them to things that bring glory to God.
- Stay Kingdom-Minded in Relationships – Let your speech, conduct, and love reflect the rule of Christ.
- Keep an Eternal Perspective – Remind yourself daily that this world is not your final home. You are a pilgrim journeying toward an everlasting kingdom.
The Reward of Seeking First the Kingdom
God is not unjust to forget those who diligently pursue Him. Hebrews 11:6 assures us, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
The reward of seeking first the kingdom is not just in material blessings, but in peace, joy, purpose, and eternal inheritance. Jesus declared in Luke 12:32, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Imagine—the King of kings delights in sharing His kingdom with us!
Conclusion
Beloved, life is filled with many pursuits, but the Lord calls us to reorder our priorities. To seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness is to make Him the center of all we are and all we do. When God’s kingdom comes first, every other aspect of life finds its rightful place.
Let us not be distracted by temporary pursuits, but let us live with eternity in view. May our hearts echo the words of the psalmist: “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.” (Psalm 73:25).
Final Charge
Therefore, dear believer:
- Seek first the kingdom in your decisions.
- Seek first the kingdom in your family.
- Seek first the kingdom in your career.
- Seek first the kingdom in your ministry.
And as you do, remember His promise: “All these things shall be added unto you.”