Kingdom First

Seeking First the Kingdom of God

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." — Matthew 6:33

This verse is one of the most quoted Scriptures, but often one of the least lived. We love the promise: “all these things will be added.” But we sometimes skip over the condition: “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.”

The truth is, this isn’t just a nice memory verse. Jesus was teaching us a principle of life—one that can change the way we live, think, and even pursue our dreams.

What Does It Mean to Seek the Kingdom First?

When we think of “kingdom,” we often think of castles and crowns. But the kingdom of God is about His rule and His ways being established in our lives.

Dr. Myles Munroe used to explain it like this: “The kingdom of God is God’s government, His influence, His order in the earth.” To seek the kingdom is to prioritize God’s rule over every other area of life—our relationships, our work, our decisions, our money, even our time.

It’s not about adding God to our plans. It’s about surrendering to His plans and letting Him lead.

Real Life: What Seeking First Looks Like

Let’s be real—life is full of distractions. Bills need paying. Kids need attention. Work piles up. It’s so easy to slip into survival mode, where God becomes a side note instead of the center.

But Jesus reminds us that if we chase after things, we’ll always be anxious. Just look at the verses right before Matthew 6:33:

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” — Matthew 6:31-32

God already knows we need food, shelter, clothes, and even rest. But He promises that if we put Him first, He’ll take care of the rest.

Think about it like this:

• At work — Seeking first might mean choosing integrity over cutting corners, even if it costs you recognition.

• With family — It could mean praying with your kids at night, even when you’re tired, or modeling forgiveness instead of holding grudges.

• With money — It might look like tithing faithfully, even when your budget feels tight, trusting that God will provide.

• With time — It’s opening your Bible before opening Instagram, or starting your day in prayer before diving into emails.

When we put God first, everything else begins to fall into place.

The Promise of Provision

This doesn’t mean God promises to make us millionaires or give us everything we want. It means He promises to supply everything we need to fulfill His purpose for us.

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19

God’s provision isn’t about excess for selfish gain—it’s about giving us what we need to live out His calling.

I’ve seen this firsthand. There were seasons when I worried constantly about finances. But the times I chose to give to God first—whether through time, tithes, or simply prioritizing Him—He always provided. Sometimes it wasn’t in the way I expected, but it was always exactly what I needed.

Kingdom First Means Righteousness First

Jesus ties seeking the kingdom with seeking righteousness.

“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 14:17

Seeking righteousness means choosing God’s way, even when it goes against our natural desires. It’s saying no to gossip, yes to honesty, and being quick to forgive. It’s living in such a way that God’s character is reflected through us.

This isn’t about perfection—it’s about direction. Every day, we take steps to align our lives with His Word, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us.

The Kingdom Brings Peace in Chaos

One of the best parts about putting God first is the peace that comes with it.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” — Isaiah 26:3

Think of how freeing it is to know you don’t have to carry the weight of life alone. You don’t have to figure everything out. You don’t have to run yourself into the ground chasing success. When you seek Him first, He gives peace that no paycheck, no vacation, no achievement can match.

Everyday Shifts to Seek the Kingdom

Here are some practical ways to put Matthew 6:33 into action:

1. Start your day with God — Even if it’s five minutes, let Him set the tone.

2. Ask before acting — Pray, “Lord, does this honor You?” before making decisions.

3. Invest in people — Relationships are eternal; promotions and possessions are not.

4. Live with open hands — Give generously, trusting that God is your provider.

5. Trade worry for prayer — When you feel anxiety rise, remind yourself of Philippians 4:6:

   “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

A Kingdom Life

Seeking first the kingdom of God is not about living a boring, restricted life. It’s about living a life of freedom, peace, and purpose.

When we put God first, we stop chasing things that don’t satisfy, and we start receiving what we truly need. It’s a daily choice—a posture of the heart—that says, “God, Your will comes before mine.”

And in that place of surrender, we find that all these things—peace, provision, purpose—are added to us.

Prayer Together

Father,

Thank You for reminding me that I don’t have to chase after the things of this world. You already know what I need. Help me to put You first in my time, my decisions, my finances, and my relationships. Teach me to live with kingdom priorities, seeking Your righteousness above my own desires.

Holy Spirit, shift my focus when I start to worry or get distracted. Give me faith to trust that when I seek You first, everything else will fall into place.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.