“Seek ye first the Kingdom of God” comes from Matthew 6:33, indicating that one should prioritize pursuing a relationship with God and living according to His will above all other concerns. This verse emphasizes faith and trust in God’s provision when His Kingdom is placed at the forefront of one’s life.
Scripture
31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
“Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God” Meaning
The exhortation “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God” from Matthew 6:33 encapsulates the core of Christian discipleship and the essence of a life centered on divine purpose. This verse serves as a clarion call to prioritize spiritual pursuits over material concerns. In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus contrasts the anxieties over earthly needs, such as food and clothing, with the assurance of God’s provision for those who dedicate themselves to His causes. Thus, the act of seeking the Kingdom is not only about striving for personal spiritual growth but also engaging actively in the broader mission of spreading God’s love and justice in the world (Matthew 5:14-16).
Moreover, the directive to seek God’s Kingdom first encourages believers to cultivate a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity. Scriptures such as Philippians 4:19, which states that God will meet all our needs according to His riches in glory, reinforce the understanding that when individuals put God’s Kingdom as their priority, they can trust that He will take care of their physical and emotional needs. This integrated approach to faith calls for a holistic commitment, wherein believers are called to reflect God’s attributes through acts of kindness, justice, and mercy. Collectively, seeking the Kingdom first nurtures a faith community that uplifts and supports one another, transforming societies and lives in pursuit of divine purpose and fulfillment.
The concept of seeking the Kingdom of God first resonates throughout various biblical texts, reinforcing the transformative nature of a life immersed in divine priorities. In the parables of Jesus, such as the Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44) and the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:45-46), we see the profound value of the Kingdom. These parables illustrate that the pursuit of God’s Kingdom is akin to discovering treasure so precious that it compels individuals to relinquish earthly attachments. This theme emphasizes that recognizing the worth of God’s Kingdom leads to a joyful willingness to sacrifice lesser pursuits, fostering a deeper connection with the Creator and His mission on earth.
Furthermore, the call to seek God’s Kingdom directs believers not just inwardly but outwardly, highlighting the relational aspect of faith. In Galatians 5:22-23, the fruits of the Spirit are revealed as the manifestations of a life lived in alignment with God’s will. As believers prioritize the Kingdom, they naturally cultivate virtues like love, joy, peace, and kindness, which serve as a testament to their faith in action. This life of active engagement further strengthens the community of believers, encouraging a culture of service and mutual support. Therefore, seeking the Kingdom first not only transforms individual lives but also propels the corporate body of Christ toward fulfilling God’s redemptive plan, thereby establishing a tangible reflection of His Kingdom here on earth.
Prioritizing Spiritual Values
The phrase “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God” emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual values over material concerns. It suggests that individuals should focus on their relationship with God and the principles of His kingdom, such as love, justice, and mercy, rather than being consumed by worldly possessions or ambitions. This prioritization encourages believers to align their lives with divine purpose, fostering a deeper sense of fulfillment and peace that transcends material wealth.
The Call to Active Participation
Another broader meaning of this phrase is the call to actively participate in the work of God’s kingdom. Seeking the kingdom involves not only personal devotion but also engaging in community service, social justice, and acts of kindness. It invites believers to be agents of change in the world, reflecting God’s love and righteousness through their actions. This active participation reinforces the idea that the kingdom of God is not just a future hope but a present reality that can be manifested through the lives of those who seek it.
Trusting in Divine Provision
The exhortation to seek the kingdom first also conveys a message of trust in God’s provision. By prioritizing spiritual pursuits, believers are encouraged to have faith that their needs will be met. This trust in divine provision alleviates anxiety and fosters a sense of security, as individuals learn to rely on God’s goodness and faithfulness. It highlights the belief that when one focuses on the kingdom, God will take care of the rest, allowing for a life marked by peace and assurance in His plans.
How to Seek God’s Kingdom Above All Else
Seeking God’s Kingdom above all else is a transformative journey that begins in the heart and manifests in our daily lives. It’s about prioritizing our relationship with God over worldly distractions and desires. Start by immersing yourself in prayer and scripture, allowing His Word to guide your thoughts and actions. Reflect on Matthew 6:33, which reminds us to seek first His Kingdom and righteousness, trusting that everything else will fall into place. This means making conscious choices that align with His will, whether it’s serving others, practicing generosity, or simply being present in the moment. Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage you to grow in faith, and don’t hesitate to share your struggles and victories. Remember, seeking God’s Kingdom is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment to live out His love and grace in every aspect of your life. Embrace this journey with an open heart, and watch how God transforms your priorities and fills your life with purpose.
Bible References to Seeking God’s Kingdom First:
Luke 12:29-31: 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried.
30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.
31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
Matthew 7:7-11: 7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?
10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?
11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Proverbs 3:5-6: 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Jeremiah 29:11-13: 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.
13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Psalm 37:3-5: 3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
Colossians 3:1-4: 1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Philippians 4:6-7: 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 12:1-2: 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Isaiah 55:6-9: 6 “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near;”
7 let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord,
that he may have compassion on him,
and to our God,
for he will abundantly pardon.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
James 4:7-10: 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
1 Chronicles 16:10-11: 10 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
11 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Hebrews 11:6: 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Deuteronomy 4:29-31: 29 But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.
30 When you are in tribulation, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, you will return to the Lord your God and obey his voice.
31 for the Lord your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them.
1 Peter 5:6-7: 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.