We continue our series on the commands of Jesus Christ. This week, we come to a command that addresses our priorities: the command to seek first the kingdom of God.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
This command comes at the end of a passage where Jesus teaches about worry. He speaks about food, drink, and clothing, the basic necessities of life.
He tells His disciples not to worry about these things because their heavenly Father knows what they need. Then He gives the remedy for worry: seek first the kingdom. The antidote to anxiety is not more planning or more striving. It is a reordering of our priorities.
First, seeking first the kingdom means putting God above everything else.
The word “first” is the key. Jesus did not say, “Seek the kingdom.” He said, “Seek first the kingdom.” This means God must have the top priority in our lives. Not the second. Not the third. Not the last resort when everything else fails.
First. Before our careers; Before our finances; Before our relationships; Before our comfort.
This is not about adding God to our already busy lives. It is about reorienting our entire lives around Him. It is about asking, “What does God want me to do?” before asking, “What do I want to do?”
It is about seeking His righteousness. It is about wanting Him more than we want His blessings.
Second, seeking first the kingdom releases us from worry.
Jesus connected seeking the kingdom to freedom from anxiety. When we seek first the kingdom, we are trusting God to provide. We are acknowledging that He is our source.
We are resting in the promise that if we prioritize Him, He will take care of the rest. “All these things will be given to you as well.” This is not a formula for prosperity. It is a promise of provision. God will not abandon those who put Him first.
What is first in your life? Be honest. Is it Jesus? Or is it something else? Your career. Your bank account. Your reputation. Your comfort. Your relationships.
The command is clear. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Put Him first. Trust Him first. Obey Him first. And watch how He provides for everything else. | NWI
