OTKC 17: Seek First The Kingdom

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  Matthew 6:33 (ESVUK)

What are the essentials of life? What can you not live without? Although some would consider things like mobile devices and other electronic appliances essential, there is much to state clearly that we can live without them. The essentials that most refer to are, on the material side, food, drink, and covering of some sort. A sociologist put together a hierarchy of needs to suggest that there’s a pyramid of what people really need, and that pyramid refers to. Jesus, in His time on earth, understood what made people anxious, and it often referred to those essentials of food, drink and clothing. His interaction with these worries pointed to something far more profound than surface material needs.

Why Kingdom Priorities Matter.

Jesus understood very well what it was like to desire immediate physical gratification after a period of hunger. After His baptism, when His fasting time ended, He was hungry. He was tempted to sort out the problem quickly and miraculously. His response to the temptation revealed the heart of what God wanted from His children. The realisation that hunger is only truly, deeply satisfied in the light of a loving relationship with God’s Word. God’s Word reveals God’s priorities, and when consumed and understood, they offer the kind of satisfaction that the physical cannot satisfy.

The priority of what God says leads to the understanding that God comes first in everything. His character, His nature, His actions, His rule through His Word mark us out as different from the world. Where the world prioritises what it sees in the natural, God’s children recognise the greater reality at work. Resting in the truth of God and His rule done His way brings everything into perspective.

To “seek first” means to prioritise above all else, not merely to include God amongst other pursuits. The Greek word “seek” (zeteo) implies an active, intentional pursuit—not passive hoping but deliberate action. This seeking must come “first,” not after breakfast, not when convenient, but as our primary concern in every decision and season of life.

The “kingdom of God” represents far more than a future destination. In Jesus’s first-century Jewish context, a kingdom meant “a tangible, real world on Earth, including real citizens, a real king, and a way of life governed by that king”. God’s kingdom is both a present reality and future promise—it’s “already” breaking into our world through Christ’s work, yet “not yet” fully realised until His return. As Paul writes, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).

“His righteousness” encompasses living according to God’s character and standards. This includes both personal holiness and relational justice—caring for the oppressed, showing mercy to the hurting, and reflecting God’s heart for the world. The prophet Micah summarises this beautifully: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

Jesus, the Early Church and Kingdom First

Jesus perfectly modelled what it means to seek first God’s kingdom. Despite facing enormous demands and crowds pressing in on every side, “very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). His priorities remained unwavering—communion with the Father came first, ministry flowed from that relationship.

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently proclaimed the kingdom’s arrival: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news” (Mark 1:15). His parables, miracles, and teachings all demonstrated kingdom principles in action. Even facing death, Jesus declared to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), showing His unwavering commitment to God’s eternal purposes over temporal concerns.

The early church beautifully exemplified this kingdom-first lifestyle. In Acts 2, we see believers “devoted to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). They understood that the Holy Spirit’s presence marked the inauguration of the last days. Their communal life, sacrificial giving, and bold evangelism demonstrated that God’s kingdom had indeed come near.

Paul embodied this principle, writing to the Colossians: “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” (Colossians 3:1-2).

Importance of the Command in the Believer’s Life

This command serves as the believer’s “marching orders”—a fundamental principle that governs Christian living. When we prioritise God’s kingdom and righteousness, we experience the profound peace that comes from trusting our heavenly Father’s provision. Jesus reminds us that if God clothes the lilies of the field and feeds the birds of the air, how much more will He care for His children (Matthew 6:26-30).

The promise attached to this command—”all these things will be added to you”—isn’t a guarantee of material prosperity. Instead, it’s God’s assurance that He will provide everything we truly need to accomplish His will. As Paul declares, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

This principle liberates us from the exhausting cycle of anxiety and self-reliance. When King David faced overwhelming circumstances, he declared, “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple” (Psalm 27:4). David understood that seeking God first brings clarity, peace, and divine perspective to life’s challenges.

Moreover, this command transforms our motives. Instead of serving God to get something in return, we serve Him because His kingdom and righteousness are inherently valuable. This shift from self-centred to God-centred living marks the difference between genuine discipleship and mere religion.

Practical Steps for Fasting in Secret

• Begin Each Day with God: Following Jesus’s example, prioritise daily Scripture reading and prayer before engaging in other activities. Even fifteen focused minutes can realign your entire day with kingdom priorities. As the psalmist declares, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).
• Align Your Priorities with God’s Heart: Regularly examine your time, energy, and financial investments. Are you primarily focused on temporal concerns or eternal values? Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10), making God’s agenda our priority.
• Trust God’s Provision: When anxiety arises about provision or security, remember Jesus’s words: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). Practice gratitude and acknowledge God’s faithfulness in your prayers.
• Seek First in Decision-Making: Before major choices about career, relationships, or lifestyle, ask: “How does this align with God’s kingdom purposes?” Consult Scripture and seek wisdom from mature believers. Remember that “in their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

Jesus’s command to seek first God’s kingdom isn’t burdensome—it’s liberating. When we align our lives with His eternal purposes, we discover the peace, provision, and purpose our hearts truly seek. As we prioritise His kingdom and righteousness, we find that everything else finds its proper place in the beautiful order of God’s design.

For His Name’s Sake

C. L. J. Dryden

Shalom

Questions for Reflection

• How would you know if your life’s priorities are the pursuit of God’s Kingdom and righteousness?
• What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping you align activities and words to the priority of God’s Kingdom?
• What can you do this week to challenge yourself and others to ensure life is based on the number one priority of God’s rule?