Life often feels like a balancing act, with countless priorities vying for our attention—work, family, finances, health, and personal goals. Amid this whirlwind of responsibilities, Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33 stand as a beacon of clarity: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” This verse is not merely a suggestion; it is an invitation to reorder our lives around what truly matters. By putting the Kingdom of God first, we unlock the secret to living abundantly—not in fleeting material wealth but in lasting spiritual fulfilment, peace, and joy.
Understanding the Call to Seek First
To “seek first” the Kingdom of God means to prioritize God’s will, values, and purposes above everything else. It’s about aligning your heart and life with His divine plan. This doesn’t mean neglecting your earthly responsibilities; rather, it transforms how you approach them. When God is at the centre, everything else falls into its rightful place.
Jesus delivered this teaching during His Sermon on the Mount, addressing common human anxieties about provision—what to eat, drink, or wear. He gently reminded His listeners that their Heavenly Father knows their needs and will provide for them when they trust Him. This call to seek God’s Kingdom first is not a transactional promise but a relational one. It’s about trusting that when we focus on God’s priorities, He will take care of us.
What Does Living Abundantly Mean?
The abundant life Jesus promises in John 10:10—“I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly”—is not defined by material possessions or worldly success. Instead, it is characterized by:
- Spiritual Richness: A deep connection with God that fills our hearts with peace and joy.
- Inner Contentment: Freedom from the constant striving for more that defines much of modern life.
- Purposeful Living: Knowing that your life is part of a greater divine plan gives meaning to every moment.
- Overflowing Generosity: Experiencing God’s blessings enables you to share them with others.
Abundant living flows from a heart that trusts in God’s provision and seeks His will above all else.
Practical Ways to Put God’s Kingdom First
- Start Your Day with God: Begin each morning in prayer and scripture study. This sets the tone for your day and keeps your focus on Him.
- Surrender Your Worries: Trust that God will provide for your needs. Release anxieties about the future into His capable hands (Matthew 6:25-34).
- Serve Others Selflessly: Reflect God’s love by helping those around you. Acts of kindness are a tangible way to prioritize His Kingdom.
- Align Your Decisions with God’s Will: Whether it’s career choices, relationships, or finances, seek God’s guidance through prayer and scripture before making decisions.
- Cultivate Gratitude: Regularly thank God for His blessings. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you already have.
- Invest in Eternal Treasures: Focus on spiritual growth and acts of love rather than accumulating material possessions (Matthew 6:19-20).
- Stay Rooted in Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage you to keep God at the center of your life.
Overcoming Challenges in Prioritizing God
Let’s be honest: putting God first isn’t always easy. Life is full of distractions—career ambitions, family obligations, social pressures—that can pull us away from our spiritual priorities. Even good things can become obstacles when they take precedence over our relationship with God.
The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 illustrates this struggle beautifully. While Martha was “distracted by much serving,” Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to Him. Jesus gently reminded Martha that Mary had chosen “the good part,” which would not be taken away from her. This story teaches us that even amidst busyness, we must prioritize time with Jesus.
If you find yourself struggling to put God first:
- Reflect on what might be competing for your attention.
- Ask yourself whether these pursuits align with eternal values or are merely temporary distractions.
- Pray for wisdom and strength to realign your priorities.
The Promise of Provision
One of the most comforting aspects of Matthew 6:33 is its promise: “…and all these things shall be added unto you.” When we focus on God’s Kingdom, He promises to meet our needs—not necessarily all our wants but everything essential for our well-being.
This divine provision often comes in unexpected ways:
- It might be a sense of peace during a difficult season.
- A timely opportunity or resource that meets a pressing need.
- The strength to endure challenges with grace.
God’s idea of abundance transcends material wealth; it encompasses spiritual richness, meaningful relationships, and eternal rewards.
A Compassionate Reminder
For those who feel far from this ideal or overwhelmed by life’s demands, take heart: seeking God’s Kingdom is not about perfection but direction. It’s a daily journey of surrendering your will to His and trusting Him step by step.
Remember that Jesus Himself modelled this perfectly. In every decision He made—even when it led Him to the cross—He prioritized the Father’s will above His own desires (Luke 22:42). His example reminds us that putting God first may not always be easy but will always lead to ultimate fulfilment.
Read More About This Quote
Daily Devotional: What Is Your Priority? Align Your Life with God’s Kingdom
Words of Wisdom: Priorities: Living a Life Aligned with God’s Purpose
Conclusion
“Put the Kingdom of God first and live abundantly.” These words are both a challenge and an invitation—a call to reorder our lives around what truly matters while trusting in God’s faithful provision.
As you reflect on this truth today:
- Consider how you can prioritize God’s Kingdom in your own life.
- Take practical steps toward seeking Him first in your thoughts, actions, and decisions.
- Trust that as you do so, He will provide for your needs abundantly—not just materially but spiritually and eternally.
May this quote inspire you to live each day with purpose, peace, and unwavering faith in the One who holds all things together.
