Prioritizing the Eternal: Seeking First the Kingdom of God -Matthew 6:33-
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33 -
In our world filled with endless to-do lists, goals, ambitions, and demands, it’s easy to get caught up in the here and now. Life is busy, and every day seems to pull us in different directions, often pushing faith and spiritual growth to the side. Yet in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus challenges us to view life differently. He says in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” These words are more than just advice—they're an invitation to make God’s priorities our own.
Let’s explore what it means to truly prioritize the eternal, how we can apply this to our daily lives, and why doing so can transform our outlook and experience of life.
What Does It Mean to "Seek First the Kingdom of God"?
In this verse, Jesus tells His followers to "seek first" God's kingdom. The word “first” here is crucial—it implies that seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness is to be our primary concern. Instead of making God’s will an afterthought or something we pursue only when convenient, we’re called to make it the cornerstone of our lives.
To seek the kingdom of God means actively pursuing a life that reflects God’s values, character, and will. It’s an invitation to be guided by love, justice, mercy, humility, and peace in every area of life. This might mean focusing on nurturing relationships, serving others, or dedicating time to prayer and studying God’s word. Rather than fitting God around our plans, seeking the kingdom of God calls us to fit our plans around Him.
The Eternal Versus the Temporary
Jesus’ words remind us that much of what we prioritize in life—whether it’s material possessions, social status, or even personal comfort—doesn’t last. In contrast, God’s kingdom and the values it represents are eternal. When we choose to focus on things that endure, we’re investing in something lasting and meaningful.
It’s not that Jesus is saying material needs don’t matter; in fact, He assures us that when we seek God’s kingdom first, our needs will be met. God understands the importance of our daily needs, and He promises to provide for us. But by placing our trust in Him rather than in our own ability to accumulate or control, we find freedom from the anxieties that often accompany the pursuit of temporary things.
Practical Ways to Seek First God’s Kingdom
Start with Prayer and Reflection:
Begin each day with prayer, asking God to guide you in aligning your heart and actions with His will. Spending time in His word daily helps ground your mind and spirit in His truth and direction. Let this time renew your focus on what truly matters.
Evaluate Your Priorities:
Take a moment to examine where you’re spending your time, energy, and resources. Are there areas where your focus is more on material gain or personal success than on honoring God? Are there opportunities to serve others that you might be overlooking? Reflecting on these questions helps bring your life into alignment with seeking the kingdom first.
Trust God with Your Needs:
Practicing this verse is about believing that God will provide for you when you focus on Him. When worry creeps in about finances, careers, or relationships, surrender those concerns to God. Ask Him to meet your needs and provide you with peace and wisdom as you focus on His kingdom.
Seek Community and Service Opportunities:
Engaging with others in a community of faith helps remind you of the shared goal of seeking God’s kingdom. Volunteering or participating in community service not only extends God’s love to others but also reminds you of the values of humility and generosity that characterize God’s kingdom.
Live Out God’s Righteousness:
Pursuing God’s righteousness means reflecting His character in our actions, speech, and choices. Make an effort to extend forgiveness, show kindness, and promote peace wherever you are. When we prioritize living righteously, we embody God’s love in a way that speaks to those around us.
The Promise of Provision
It’s beautiful that Jesus doesn’t just call us to seek His kingdom without any reassurance—He promises that when we do, “all these things will be added to you.” God knows we need food, shelter, companionship, and a sense of purpose. When we trust Him and make His kingdom our priority, He promises to provide for these needs. This doesn’t mean life will be without hardship or challenge, but it does mean we can face those challenges with confidence, knowing that our Father in Heaven sees our needs and will supply what’s best for us.
Why Prioritizing the Eternal Transforms Us
When we focus on the eternal, our perspective shifts. The things that once seemed crucial—career advancement, material wealth, social status—lose their power over us. We find peace in knowing that our true worth and purpose come from God alone. Living with a kingdom-first mentality frees us from the never-ending chase for more and invites us into a life of purpose, joy, and peace.
By seeking God’s kingdom first, we begin to see life through the lens of faith, recognizing God’s hand in everything. Our daily routines and even the challenges we face are transformed into opportunities to grow in grace and love. In prioritizing the eternal, we not only deepen our relationship with God but also find fulfillment in His promises.
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Matthew 6:33 calls us to a radical reordering of our priorities. Jesus invites us to let go of our tight grasp on the things of this world and instead trust Him to provide as we seek His kingdom. By focusing on what is eternal, we align ourselves with God’s purpose for our lives, experience greater peace, and find that our needs are met in ways we couldn’t have arranged on our own.
Let’s ask ourselves: Are we truly seeking first the kingdom of God? And if not, what steps can we take today to begin aligning our lives with this life-changing invitation?
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come before You with a heart longing to know You more deeply and to live a life that honors You above all else. Lord, I admit that it is so easy for me to be consumed by the demands and distractions of this world. Too often, I chase after things that do not last, looking for fulfillment in places that cannot satisfy. But today, I ask You to refocus my heart and mind on what truly matters.
Help me, Father, to seek Your kingdom first. Teach me to prioritize Your will over my own plans and desires, trusting that You know what is best for me. When I feel anxious about these needs or uncertain about the future, remind me that You are my Provider and that all I truly need is found in You. Guide me to walk in Your ways, pursuing righteousness, love, and peace as reflections of Your heart.
Lord, give me the courage to release my grip on things that distract me from You and strengthen my desire to live according to Your purpose. Fill me with a deeper love for You and for others, so that I may reflect Your light in all I do. May Your kingdom values—justice, mercy, and faithfulness—shape my actions, words, and thoughts each day.
Thank You for Your faithfulness and for the promise that when I seek You first, You will provide all that I need. I place my trust in You, Lord, and ask You to help me live with a heart focused on eternity.
In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
