“Seek first the kingdom of God” is a phrase derived from Matthew 6:33 in the Bible. Let’s explore its meaning:
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
To seek first the kingdom of God means to prioritize and give primary importance to God’s kingdom and His righteousness in our lives. It involves directing our focus, desires, and efforts toward aligning ourselves with God’s will and purposes.
- Prioritizing God’s Kingdom: Seeking first the kingdom of God means making God’s kingdom our highest priority. It involves acknowledging God’s sovereignty and recognizing that His kingdom is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). We prioritize seeking His kingdom above personal ambitions, worldly pursuits, and material possessions.
- Pursuing God’s Righteousness: Seeking God’s kingdom also entails pursuing His righteousness. It involves striving to live in accordance with His moral and ethical standards, seeking to grow in holiness, and being conformed to the image of Christ. It means aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with the teachings of Jesus and the principles found in His Word.
- Trusting in God’s Provision: The passage in Matthew 6:33 assures us that when we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all other necessary things will be added to us. It is a call to trust in God’s faithfulness and provision. As we prioritize God and His kingdom, we can trust that He will take care of our needs, both spiritual and material. It is an invitation to place our trust in God’s loving care and seek His guidance in all aspects of life.
- Seeking God’s Will: Seeking first the kingdom of God involves seeking and desiring to do God’s will above our own. It means submitting our plans, dreams, and desires to His purposes and seeking His guidance in decision-making. It requires surrendering our own agendas and embracing God’s agenda for our lives, allowing Him to direct our paths and lead us into the fullness of His plans.
To seek first the kingdom of God is to prioritize God and His righteousness above all else. It is a call to align our lives with His will, pursue His righteousness, trust in His provision, and seek to advance His kingdom in our thoughts, actions, and relationships. As we seek God’s kingdom first, we experience His guidance, blessing, and fulfillment of our needs. May we continually seek His kingdom, living in obedience to Him and reflecting His love and righteousness to the world around us.
