On one occasion, Jesus taught about how to pray, fast, do works of righteousness, and he talked about our everyday needs and concerns. He concluded:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
(Matthew 6:33)
Seeking the kingdom first means that prayer, the search for God and holiness, giving and working in righteousness and for the kingdom is the focus in our lives. Jesus tells us that worrying about things other than that, such as our future, food and clothing, is in vain, because God already knows our needs and is committed to providing for us.
Don’t worry about these things—just present yourself in prayer trusting in God’s faithful words.
Take care of the Kingdom.
Sadly, many believers tend to take on this approach backwards. They are focused on their needs and on achieving righteousness for themselves and God’s word ends up being only a means by which they gain their impulse to achieve their own goals.
This is not the Kingdom’s approach. This is not the approach Jesus taught us to take.
Jesus indicated that such an approach was that of the pagans and that the Father already knew our need. “For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them (Matthew 6:32).”
So run after the kingdom, not after the other things. The word is still our inspiration to continue God’s work, but we do not seek God for the benefits we obtain in Him—nor do these become our goal.
God does not want these things to be the engine of our hearts. He said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21).” Jesus wants our only goal to be to seek the Kingdom and his righteousness because he has entrusted us with a mission, which will be affected if we go around worrying about the rest. Everything else is added by God. He is in charge of providing for us in his grace. Relationships, family, home, work, food and clothing—everything is given and added by God, when we seek the Kingdom first.
Decide today that your life focus will be to seek the kingdom and his righteousness first. That is God’s will. Have you lived focused on all these things and relying on the word to obtain them? Do you go after the kingdom or do you go after the other things?
Change your focus today.
You can live focused solely and exclusively on the advancement of the Kingdom and on proclaiming its justice. Begin to fill your life with prayer and with instruction from the word. Start thinking and acting with justice. Dedicate yourself to serving in the church and in ministry carrying the gospel, bringing justice to those in need and forgotten. Support God’s work with your whole life and live for it.
That is what it means to seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.
Everything else is just added and given by God.
