The phrase “Seek first the kingdom of God” comes from (Matthew 6:33), where Jesus says:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
This command is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about trusting God rather than worrying about material needs like food, clothing, and shelter. In the verses leading up to (Matthew 6:33), Jesus reminds His followers that God knows their needs and cares for them deeply:
“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?” (Matthew 6:26).
Jesus is teaching that our first priority should not be the pursuit of worldly security or possessions, but rather God’s kingdom and righteousness. To “seek first” means to make God’s rule and His standards the central pursuit of our lives—above career, comfort, or even daily necessities.
This principle is echoed throughout Scripture. For example:
(Colossians 3:1–2) says,
“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.”
(Luke 12:48) reminds us of our responsibility:
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
When we neglect to seek God’s kingdom—perhaps by ignoring His Word, living for ourselves, or prioritizing worldly success—we fall into the sins of apathy, pride, or misplaced priorities. As one article puts it:
“If we are not reading the Bible because we aren’t interested in what God has said, we are guilty of apathy. If we are not reading the Bible because we think we don’t need to, we are guilty of pride. If we are not reading the Bible because we can’t find the time or we don’t consider it important, we are guilty of having wrong priorities.”
Seeking God’s kingdom means living under His rule, obeying His Word, and longing for the day when Christ will return to establish His perfect reign. It also means trusting Him to provide for our needs as we walk in obedience.
Seek First the Kingdom of God
This statement is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), where He teaches about the values and priorities of life in God’s kingdom. Let’s explore this phrase in detail by breaking it down:
What Does “Seek” Mean?
To “seek” in this context means to actively pursue, desire, and prioritize. It is not a passive interest, but a deliberate and ongoing effort to align one’s life with God’s will.
Seeking involves “paying attention with an engaged mind and acute awareness.” It is a persistent and passionate pursuit of God and His purposes.
“I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” (Proverbs 8:17)
What Is “the Kingdom of God”?
The kingdom of God refers to God’s rule and reign—both in the hearts of believers and ultimately over all creation. It is not merely a future heavenly realm, but also a present reality where God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
To seek God’s kingdom means to:
Desire that God’s authority be established in your life.
Submit to His rule over your decisions, relationships, and goals.
Work toward the advancement of His purposes in the world.
Jesus taught that the kingdom is of eternal value, unlike the temporary concerns of this world, see (Matthew 6:19–21).
What Is “His Righteousness”?
“His righteousness” refers to the moral and spiritual rightness that comes from God. It includes:
Living in obedience to God’s commands.
Pursuing holiness and integrity.
Trusting in the righteousness of Christ, not our own efforts (Philippians 3:9).
This righteousness is not just about external behavior, but about a transformed heart that reflects God’s character.
What Does “All These Things Will Be Given to You” Mean?
In the verses leading up to (Matthew 6:33), Jesus talks about worrying over material needs—food, drink, clothing (Matthew 6:25–32). He assures us that God knows our needs and will provide for them.
So, when Jesus says “all these things will be given to you,” He is promising that if we put God first, He will take care of our needs.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
The Cost of Discipleship
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in The Cost of Discipleship, warns against the temptation to reinterpret Jesus’ words in a way that makes them easier to follow. He writes:
“All along the line we are trying to evade the obligation of single-minded, literal obedience. How is such absurdity possible?”
Jesus’ command to “seek first the kingdom” is not a suggestion—it is a radical call to reorder our lives around God’s purposes. It means surrendering control, trusting God, and living with eternal priorities.
Practical Application
To seek first the kingdom of God means:
Prioritizing time with God in prayer and Scripture (Psalm 1:2).
Serving others and advancing the gospel (Matthew 28:19–20).
Living with integrity, even when it costs us (Matthew 5:10).
Trusting God’s provision, rather than being consumed with worry (Matthew 6:25–32).
In Summary
To “seek first the kingdom of God” is to make God’s rule and righteousness the highest priority in our lives. It is a call to trust, obey, and pursue holiness, knowing that God will provide everything we truly need. He will take care of it all.
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4).
Let us remember Jesus’ words:
“Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25).
Yes—it is about knowing God, loving Him, and living for His glory.
This is not about earning God’s favor, but about living in response to His grace, with a heart fully devoted to Him.
