What Does It Mean to ‘Seek First the Kingdom of God’?

A christian seeking God

To "seek first the kingdom of God" means to prioritize one's relationship with God and to prioritize living in a way that is consistent with God's will and values. This phrase comes from the Bible, specifically from the Sermon on the Mount in the book of Matthew. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

This verse is often understood to mean that when we prioritize our relationship with God and living in accordance with his will, all of our other needs and concerns will be taken care of. In other words, when we put God first in our lives, he will provide for us and take care of the things we need.

Seeking first the kingdom of God involves focusing on spiritual matters rather than on material possessions or earthly concerns. It means putting God's will above our own and striving to live a life that is pleasing to him. This involves living a life of obedience to God's commands, seeking to grow in our relationship with him through prayer and reading the Bible, and striving to serve others in a way that reflects God's love and compassion.

In Colossians 3:1-2, the apostle Paul writes, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This passage encourages us to focus on things that are eternal and of lasting value, rather than on temporary, earthly concerns.

Seeking first the kingdom of God also involves putting our trust in God and surrendering our lives to him. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches about the importance of not worrying about our needs, but rather trusting in God to provide for us. He says, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

In summary, to seek first the kingdom of God means to prioritize our relationship with God and to live a life that is centered on him. It involves focusing on things of eternal value, trusting in God to provide for us, and living a life that is pleasing to him and reflects his love and compassion for others.

Previous
Next Post »