To “seek first the kingdom of God” is a principle rooted in the teachings of Jesus, specifically found in Matthew 6:33, which says:

 ‘But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you’. NKJV

For context, in the previous two verses, Jesus is telling us not to worry for anything – we are not to worry about our daily needs and wants, such as: what to eat, what to wear, marriage, being without a job, lacking finances etc. because these things can be ours if we seek first His Kingdom.

What it means:

To seek first God’s kingdom and its righteousness simply means that whatever law the kingdom of God has, we need to abide by it. The law of God’s kingdom is His commandments and written instructions throughout the Bible. These laws/commandments are standards and code of conduct expected of its citizens.

Therefore, we must let God’s teachings (His word), values, and guidance direct our decisions, actions, and life in general. So, whenever we are faced with temptation, we turn to God instead of giving in to sin because we know the standard expected of us as citizens. Our lives should take a different turn such that, we’re living in the world, but not of the world because we prioritize our citizenship of His Kingdom and the day, we’ll unite with Him.

How to seek God’s kingdom:

In the past, I have often wondered the right way to seek His kingdom, because I was enticed by those promises and definitely wanted a part in it. And if you were like me, maybe you also did or still do. Don’t get me wrong, it is not bad to want them, but it’s definitely not right either for it to be your sole motive for seeking Him.

You need to take a step back and approach it for the right reasons. Your desire should be because you want to get to know Him, enjoy a relationship with Him, and please Him because of the love you have for Him. It shouldn’t be because of what you can get. He is the Almighty God, not someone we can manipulate to get our needs met.

Now we have gotten that out of the way, the most straightforward way to seek God’s kingdom first and effortlessly so, is to really desire to walk in obedience to Him and love Him (remember loving God is the greatest commandment – it changes the way we think and act in such a way that our lives reflect His values and makes us standout as citizens of His kingdom).

If we try to perform and act like we’re truly seeking Him without the right heart posture, just to get what we can, we won’t be able to keep up the act for long before we fall short. Trust me, I have been there. So why waste all that energy and time when we can choose to do it the right way?

Loving God and walking obediently to Him, changes your heart posture to love what He loves and despise what He hates. You will crave spending more time in His presence and trying to please Him. Living like this is certainly doing it the right way or the way that Matthew 6:33 requires us to and naturally we will surely reap those rewards that follow the promise.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to put you first in all my ways. Change my heart posture to love you for who you are alone. I want to know you, love you and seek you always. As I live in your righteous, according to your word, may my needs be met and your word not fall to the ground or return to you void. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.