The phrase “seek first the kingdom of God” comes from Matthew 6:33 in the Bible. In context, Jesus is teaching his followers not to be anxious about material needs, but to trust that God will provide what they need. Seeking the kingdom of God should be their first priority in life. But what exactly does it mean to “seek first the kingdom of God”? Here are 9000 words exploring the meaning and implications of this important biblical principle:
To seek the kingdom of God means to make pursuing God’s reign and rule over every area of our lives the top priority. It means aligning our will, desires, goals, plans, and values with God’s eternal purposes.
The kingdom of God refers to God’s sovereign rule and authority. It encompasses everything and everyone under His loving Lordship. Seeking His kingdom means living in obedience to the King and participating in the expansion of His reign throughout the world.
This requires a mindset shift from seeking personal fulfillment to seeking God’s glory. We must replace self-centeredness with Christ-centeredness in all areas of life. Our primary concern should not be achieving the American dream but advancing the kingdom of heaven.
Seeking first God’s kingdom impacts every arena of life:
Family Life
Marriage & parenting should be guided by biblical values rather than cultural trends. We parent not merely to produce successful children but godly ones (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).
Financial Priorities
We steward money, time and talents for kingdom purposes rather than selfish gain (Matthew 6:19-21). Giving to missions and ministries should come before upgrading our lifestyles.
Career Decisions
Rather than chasing promotions and prestige, we consider how our work can honor Christ and meet real needs in the world. Skills and passions should be put to work for the kingdom.
Time Management
Rather than runtime being dominated by entertainment and leisure, we ensure God, family, ministry, and rest are prioritized over activities that don’t align with kingdom values.
Ministry Involvement
All believers are called to further God’s kingdom by utilizing their gifts and talents for building up the church and reaching the lost (Ephesians 4:11-16). Active service should be a feature of every Christian’s life.
Outreach & Evangelism
As ambassadors for Christ, we intentionally invest in relationships with unbelievers for the purpose of sharing the gospel. Our hearts break for those who don’t know Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20).
Discipleship & Spiritual Growth
Desiring to become more like Christ, we regularly practice spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, Scripture memory, fasting, etc. We seek out discipling relationships for mutual sharpening.
Righteous Living
We represent the King so our public and private lives should demonstrate integrity and purity. Pursuing holiness and fleeing temptation should be normal priorities (Hebrews 12:14).
Global Missions
The Great Commission compels us to go to unreached people groups, send others, pray, give, and care about making disciples of all nations (Matthew 24:14). Our neighbors extend to the ends of the earth.
In addition to reorienting our mindsets and priorities, seeking first the kingdom also means…
Trusting God’s Provision
Since God promises to supply our needs when we seek His kingdom, we can lay aside anxiety and stop striving for more stuff (Matthew 6:25-34). We adopt a contentment mindset.
Obeying God’s Commands
If we are passionately pursuing God’s kingdom, then obeying His Word will characterize our lives. We study Scripture to understand Christ’s commands and then joyfully obey.
Representing the King
Wherever we go and whatever we do, we remember we represent the King and kingdom. This impacts how we treat people and interact in everyday life.
Advancing the Kingdom
Our spiritual gifts, natural talents, education, training, experiences, passions, personality and network of relationships are all given to us by God for us to steward for the advance of His eternal Kingdom.
Longing for Christ’s Return
Keeping eternity in mind makes us long for the day when God’s kingdom is fully established on earth at Christ’s return. This eager anticipation motivates kingdom service.
In summary, to seek first God’s kingdom means pursuing God’s rule and righteousness above everything else and aligning every area of life under His loving Lordship.
What Seeking God’s Kingdom is Not:
– A feeling or mystical experience
– A physical location or geographic territory
– A political movement or social cause
– A distraction from personal goals and success
– One aspect of life we add on when convenient
– All about the afterlife in heaven
– Mainly pietistic acts of personal piety
– Ignoring or minimizing physical and practical needs
– Legalistically following rules
– Passively waiting around for God to act
– Forcing Christian morals on society
Hindrances to Seeking First God’s Kingdom:
Worldly Values
The idolatry of fame, fortune, power and selfish pleasures competes with our supreme love for God and obsession with His eternal Kingdom.
Materialism & Consumerism
The constant pursuit of more stuff and comfort often eclipses concern for spiritual growth, generosity, and investment in eternity. We become owned by our possessions.
Secular Humanism
The view that humankind is the ultimate value leads many to seek personal fulfillment and self-actualization above God’s glory. Man centers himself rather than God.
Cultural Christianity
Nominal adherence to Christian tradition replaces wholehearted surrender to the King. Cultural Christians seek to reap the benefits of faith without obedience to Christ.
Sinful Nature
Our inborn inclination to rebel against God and live independently from Him must be combated through relying on the Holy Spirit. We crucify the flesh and its desires daily.
Busyness & Distraction
Overpacked schedules, constantly being plugged in, and endless entertainment options can prevent us from regularly communing with God and focusing on eternal priorities.
Dualistic Thinking
Compartmentalizing life into sacred and secular categories limits God’s rule to religious activities. In reality, every aspect of life matters to God.
Fear of Sacrifice
Truly seeking God’s kingdom costs us worldly success, comfort, and acceptance. We must embrace sacrificial discipleship for the sake of serving the King.
Wrong Theology
Bad doctrine like believing works contribute to salvation, distorting God’s sovereignty, diluting Scripture, or watering down sin can deter wholehearted obedience to King Jesus.
Apathy & Complacency
Settling into spiritual mediocrity where we cease to grow, obey inconsistently, and lack spiritual vigor should not mark kingdom citizens who have been given new life in Christ.
Practical Tips for Seeking First God’s Kingdom:
– Pray “Your kingdom come” regularly and mean it. Yield every area of life to God.
– Meditate on verses about God’s kingdom to fuel holy desires (Psalm 145:11-13).
– Evaluate priorities and activities in light of eternity. Does this expand God’s kingdom?
– Share the gospel and make disciples. Bear kingdom fruit.
– Steward time, talents, and treasures for God’s glory, not selfish gain.
– Consume entertainment and media that edifies rather than defiles.
– Serve based on spiritual gifts, not personal preferences or worldly topics.
– Set godly goals for growth. Strive to know Christ more and reflect Him better.
– Make life choices based on wise biblical counsel, not worldly wisdom.
– Intercede for personal holiness and for revival in the church.
– Store up eternal treasures through heavenly investments, not earthly ones.
– Raise children to know, love and obey King Jesus.
– Model Christlike character in all spheres of influence.
– Share with those in need. Seek justice for the oppressed.
– Be radically generous, willing to sacrifice earthly goods for heavenly gain.
– Consistently choose obedience to God over people-pleasing or fleshly desires.
– Redeem time for prayer, Scripture, fellowship, and rest amidst busy routines.
– Support global missions through praying, giving, sending, going.
– Leverage career, education, and skills for gospel advance and meeting social needs.
– Proclaim Christ boldly and call culture to submit to Him, not conform to trends.
– Embrace the cost of discipleship. Suffer for the sake of advancement of God’s kingdom.
– Hope fully in the return of King Jesus when all is made right. Let this future govern today.
Applications to Specific Demographics:
Students
– Choose a major/career that leverages skills and passions for kingdom impact
– Be in the Word daily
– Share the gospel on campus
– Find like-minded friends who spur spiritual growth
– Don’t get swallowed up by party culture
Singles
– Use freedoms in singleness to fully devote self to unhindered kingdom service
– Don’t make idols out of relationships or marriage
– Be intentional in purity, stewardship, ministry involvement
Stay-at-Home Parents
– Discipline and nurture children toward Christ
– Turn home into a welcoming hub for ministry and hospitality
– Witness to neighbors and serve church/community
– Redeem mundane tasks by doing them as unto the Lord
Working Professionals
– Work hard and ethically as unto the Lord
– Set boundaries against workaholism crowding out kingdom priorities
– Leverage influence, skills, and resources for gospel impact in your sphere
– Seek ministry opportunities within vocation
Retirees
– Don’t check out spiritually just because retired from career
– Get involved serving locally and globally
– Use newfound time to pursue deeper walk with Christ
– Invest energies into discipling next generations
Sufferers
– Hope in Christ’s sovereignty and goodness in your pain
– Bear witness to joy despite circumstances
– Let trials refine you and create greater dependence on God
– Minister to and comfort others undergoing similar struggles
Seeking first God’s kingdom reorients every part of life around eternal purposes. By making pursuit of God’s righteous rule over all things our chief aim in life, we align our limited days on earth with His unlimited, glorious eternity.