By Andrew Williams
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Good morning fellow disciples, in this series we will be answering questions that will help us to become faithful disciples of Christ.
To seek first the Kingdom of God is a profound call to prioritize our relationship with God and His purposes above all else. This verse, nestled within the Sermon on the Mount, invites us to reorient our lives around the values and mission of God’s kingdom.
BUT WHAT DOES IT TRULY MEAN FOR US SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD TODAY?
- 1. Prioritizing God’s Reign
“The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” (Psalm 103:19)
Seeking God’s Kingdom means recognizing His authority and sovereignty in our lives. It involves acknowledging that His reign is supreme and that our primary allegiance is to Him. By placing God at the center of our lives, we allow His will to shape our decisions, priorities, and relationships.
2. Aligning with His Righteousness
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)
When we seek the Kingdom of God, we strive to embody His righteousness. This means living according to His standards and values, reflecting His character in our actions and interactions. Pursuing righteousness brings about peace and joy, which are hallmarks of being part of God’s Kingdom.
3. Trusting in His Provision
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
Seeking first the Kingdom of God also involves trusting in His provision. When we prioritize our relationship with Him, we can release our anxieties about material needs and future concerns. God promises to provide for us as we focus on His Kingdom, alleviating our worries and allowing us to live in faith.
4. Engaging in His Mission
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19)
To seek the Kingdom of God is to engage in His mission. We are called to share the Good News, serve others, and demonstrate God’s love in tangible ways. This active participation in spreading the Gospel and ministering to those in need reflects our commitment to God’s Kingdom.
5. Cultivating a Kingdom Mindset
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
Seeking God’s Kingdom requires a shift in our mindset. It means prioritizing eternal values over temporary concerns. By focusing on what truly matters—God’s purposes and the well-being of others—we begin to reflect the heart of the Kingdom in our everyday lives.
6. Living in Community
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:42)
The Kingdom of God is not just an individual pursuit; it is a communal one. Seeking first the Kingdom involves being part of a community of believers, encouraging one another, and growing together in faith. Through fellowship, we can support each other in our efforts to live out God’s Kingdom values.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the invitation to seek Your Kingdom and righteousness above all else. Help us to prioritize our relationship with You and recognize Your reign in our lives.
Teach us to align our hearts with Your values and to pursue righteousness, peace, and joy through the Holy Spirit. We trust in Your provision, knowing that You will meet our needs as we focus on Your Kingdom.
Empower us to engage in Your mission, sharing the Good News and serving others with love. Shift our mindset toward eternal things, and help us to live in community with fellow believers, supporting one another in our journey.
May our lives reflect Your Kingdom and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Amen