The phrase “seek ye first the kingdom of God” is found in Matthew 6:33. This verse serves as an important reminder to believers that our primary focus should be on seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness before anything else. In this passage, Jesus teaches us to prioritize our spiritual journey above all else.
The Bible calls us to put God first in all we do and seek Him wholeheartedly. As such, this phrase serves as an essential reminder for us to prioritize our relationship with God better to understand His will and plan for our lives. So what is really the “seek ye first the kingdom of God” meaning?
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What Does The “Seek Ye First The Kingdom Of God” Mean?
The phrase “Seek ye first the kingdom of God[1]” is found in the Bible, Matthew 6:33. It is part of a larger passage that encourages us to prioritize our relationship with God over all other concerns. In this passage, Jesus instructs his disciples to seek out the Kingdom of Heaven ahead of all other things. He says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”
What does this mean? To seek God’s kingdom means we should put our spiritual lives before anything else. We should focus on what is important to God, such as loving Him and His people, fulfilling His will, and obeying His commands. We should also strive to be like Him—to have the same heart and mind as He has. This is what it means to seek first the kingdom of God.
It’s important to note that seeking the Kingdom doesn’t mean neglecting our daily lives and responsibilities; rather, it means making God, and His will the primary focus of our lives. It’s about living with an attitude of worship and surrender to Him. This can be done through prayer, meditation, studying the Bible, fellowship with other believers, and even serving in ministry.
When we put God first in our lives, we understand something often hard to comprehend—God’s unconditional love for us. As we draw close to Him, He draws close to us and shows us how much He cares. We realize that God won’t give up on us even when we fail or make mistakes. And because of His great love, He will always forgive and show us mercy.
Why Must We Seek First The Kingdom Of God?
The Bible teaches that we must seek the Kingdom of God first and foremost. This is because nothing else is as important or valuable as our relationship with God. Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
He also said, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). This means that when we prioritize our relationship with God above all else, we can trust that He will provide for our needs.
We are to put God first in every area of our lives—our finances, relationships, decisions, etc. As we prioritize Him and His kingdom over other things, He blesses us with the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4).
When we focus on the Kingdom of God, it helps us to stay in sync with what God wants for our lives. We can better discern His plans and purposes for us when we are rooted in Him rather than distracted by other pursuits. We also become more sensitive to His leading as He directs our paths (Proverbs 3:5–6).
Seeking the Kingdom of God isn’t always easy—we often experience setbacks and discouragement. But by hanging on to our faith, we can stand firm in the assurance that He is at work in our lives. We can trust that His plans are good and perfect, even when it doesn’t feel like it (Romans 8:28).
How Do We Seek First The Kingdom Of God?
The Bible calls us to seek first the kingdom of God in Matthew 6:33, which states, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” In this instruction, Jesus Christ tells us that if we put His kingdom before anything else in our lives, He will take care of all our needs.
So, how do we seek first the kingdom of our Heavenly Father? Firstly, it is important to note that we cannot do this without faith. Faith in Jesus and His promises will lead us to seek first His kingdom obediently. This means trusting and believing that He will provide everything we need while taking care of our spiritual well-being.
The Bible also tells us to focus on spiritual things and not earthly ones by setting our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2). This could mean studying the Word of God, praying regularly, and being involved in church activities such as bible studies or fellowship meetings. These all direct our hearts toward God’s kingdom and away from our own selfish desires.
In addition, we should also be living a life of holiness and righteousness by following the example of Christ in our daily lives. By doing this, we will bear fruit for His kingdom (John 15:16) and bring glory to God’s name through our actions. We should strive to be humble, kind, and generous with our time and resources, showing the world a good example of what it looks like to seek the kingdom of God first.
4 Ways To Seek First God’s Kingdom Every Day
The Bible clarifies that God desires us to seek His kingdom first and foremost. That is why Jesus commanded us in Matthew 6:33 to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” To live a life in which we prioritize seeking God and His kingdom, we can take four practical steps each day.
1. Take Time To Pray
Prayer is one of the most important ways we can seek God’s kingdom first each day. You don’t need to pray for hours, but take a few minutes to talk with God and ask Him to give you strength and guidance throughout your day. When praying, focus on thanking Him for His grace and asking Him what He wants you to do that day.
Prayer is not just about begging God for help and blessings; it’s also about listening. As you pray, open your heart to hearing from Him. Don’t hurry through the prayer; be still before Him and await His response. Ask for an understanding of why He wants you to do a particular task or take a certain road in life.
2. Read The Scripture
Reading scripture will help clarify understanding of the truth of God’s word. It can also provide insight into how we should live our lives to best seek after His kingdom first. Spend time reading a few verses each morning or evening and memorize Bible verses to begin your day with His word in your heart.
When reading the scripture, meditating on what you are reading is important. Ask yourself questions such as “What does this passage mean?” or “How does this apply to my life?”. This will help you understand the passage’s context and how it relates to your current situation.
3. Spend Time With Fellow Believers
Connecting with other believers is a great way to encourage and be encouraged as you seek God’s kingdom first each day. Invite a friend to join you in prayer, or find a Bible study group that can offer support and accountability for taking steps toward God’s will.
Attending a local church service is another great way to connect with fellow believers who share your faith. Not only can hearing the Word of God help strengthen your faith but so can worshipping and fellowship with other Christians. Whether you join a small group, serve on a mission trip, or become involved in community outreach, you can share your faith with others.
4. Live Selflessly
Seeking the Kingdom of God first means living selflessly, according to His commands. Take time throughout your day to be mindful of how you treat others and look for ways to serve them in love. Show kindness even when it is difficult, remembering that we are called to live like Jesus did—always putting others before ourselves.
In addition, take time each week to give back to your community in some way. Volunteer with an organization that aligns with your values and the causes that you believe in. Helping others helps you stay humble and connected to your purpose.
Another way to practice living selflessly is to break from materialistic desires by doing something meaningful for someone else. Whether it’s taking the time to listen, giving generously of your resources, or simply offering a kind word – small acts of service can make a big difference.
Conclusion
The Bible is clear about the importance of seeking God’s kingdom first. Jesus spoke, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
Seeking the kingdom of God first means living a life focused on honoring and glorifying Him. We are to live according to His Word, submit to His will, and use the gifts He has given us to fulfill His plans for our life. When we do this, God promises He will supply our needs. So put your trust in Him and seek the kingdom of God first—it is the most important thing you can do.
