Introduction What Does It Mean to Seek God’s Kingdom?
Seeking God’s Kingdom is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus and forms the cornerstone of Christian discipleship. But what does it really mean to “seek God’s Kingdom”? Is it a one-time act or an ongoing pursuit? This article will explore the biblical foundations of seeking the Kingdom of God, what it means for Christians today, and how to apply it practically in our daily lives. By diving into Scripture and Jesus’ teachings, we will uncover the depth and implications of this profound call to action.
What Is the Kingdom of God?
Before we can fully understand what it means to seek God’s Kingdom, we need to grasp what the Kingdom of God itself is. In Scripture, the Kingdom of God is not primarily a geographic place, but rather a reign or rule. Jesus declared that the Kingdom of God is at hand (Mark 1:15), signifying the coming of God’s rule through His ministry. This reign of God is both present and future—it is already inaugurated through Christ, yet it will be fully realized at His second coming.
The Kingdom is often described as the realm where God’s will is done perfectly. It is a space where His righteousness, peace, and joy are manifest (Romans 14:17). Therefore, seeking God’s Kingdom means aligning oneself with God’s will and living under His rule and reign.
The Call to Seek God’s Kingdom First
The key verse that outlines this command is found in Matthew 6:33:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
In this context, Jesus is speaking about the worries of life—what we will eat, drink, and wear. He contrasts the pursuit of material things with the pursuit of the Kingdom of God. To seek the Kingdom first means prioritizing God’s rule and His righteousness above all else. Rather than chasing after the things of this world, we are to live in a way that reflects our citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
What Does It Mean to Seek First?
To seek first means to give something the highest priority. When Jesus tells us to seek the Kingdom of God first, He is instructing us to make it the most important pursuit in our lives. This isn’t just about attending church on Sundays or reading the Bible occasionally—it’s about an all-encompassing way of life. Seeking God’s Kingdom first affects how we spend our time, what we value, and the decisions we make.
How to Seek God’s Kingdom
Now that we know what it means to seek God’s Kingdom first, how do we practically go about doing it? There are several ways outlined in Scripture to actively seek the Kingdom.
1. Pursue Righteousness
One of the key components of seeking God’s Kingdom is pursuing righteousness. This is evident in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus links the Kingdom of God with His righteousness. But what does it mean to pursue righteousness? Biblically, righteousness refers to right standing with God, which is achieved not by our works but by faith in Christ (Romans 3:22).
However, once we are justified by faith, we are called to live out that righteousness in our daily lives. Ephesians 4:24 encourages believers to
“put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Therefore, seeking the Kingdom involves striving to live a life that reflects God’s righteousness.
2. Seek God’s Will in Prayer
Prayer is another essential way to seek God’s Kingdom. Jesus taught His disciples to pray,
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”
Matthew 6:10
When we pray this, we are asking for God’s rule and reign to manifest on earth and in our lives. This prayer acknowledges that God’s will is higher and better than our own and that His Kingdom should take precedence.
To pray for God’s Kingdom is to submit our own desires and plans to His will. We trust that His ways are better and seek to align our lives with His purposes.
3. Live According to the Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) provides a clear picture of what Kingdom living looks like. In these chapters, Jesus lays out a radically different way of life—one that runs counter to the values of the world. He calls His followers to love their enemies, forgive those who hurt them, and store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
To seek the Kingdom means living out these principles daily. It involves prioritizing mercy, humility, and justice, even when the world promotes power, pride, and self-interest. The Beatitudes, which open the Sermon on the Mount, give us a blueprint for Kingdom character. Those who are poor in spirit, mourn, hunger and thirst for righteousness, and make peace are blessed because they are living according to Kingdom values.
4. Serve Others
Jesus’ life and ministry exemplified service, and He called His followers to do the same. In Matthew 20:28, Jesus said,
“The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
To seek God’s Kingdom is to serve others selflessly, reflecting the heart of Christ. Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:40 that when we serve the least of these, we are serving Him.
Serving others may take different forms—meeting the needs of the poor, helping those who are sick, or comforting the broken-hearted. Whatever it looks like, service is a central part of Kingdom living because it reflects the love and compassion of our King.
5. Trust God with Your Needs
One of the hardest parts of seeking God’s Kingdom first is trusting that He will meet our needs. In Matthew 6, Jesus reassures His followers that if they seek the Kingdom first, “all these things”—their material needs—will be added to them. In other words, we don’t need to worry about the things of this world because God is a good Father who knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8).
Trusting God with our needs involves releasing control and believing that He is faithful to provide. It requires us to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that the things of this world are temporary but His Kingdom is everlasting.
The Benefits of Seeking God’s Kingdom
While the primary motivation for seeking God’s Kingdom should be to glorify Him, there are also many benefits for those who make this pursuit their top priority.
1. Peace in the Midst of Uncertainty
One of the promises Jesus gives is that those who seek God’s Kingdom first will experience peace. In a world full of anxiety and stress, Kingdom seekers can rest in the assurance that God is in control. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us not to be anxious about anything but to bring our requests to God, and in return, His peace will guard our hearts and minds.
2. Provision for Our Needs
As mentioned in Matthew 6:33, when we seek the Kingdom of God, He promises to provide for our material needs. This doesn’t mean we will always have an abundance, but it does mean we will have enough. God knows what we need better than we do, and when we prioritize His Kingdom, He takes care of the rest.
3. A Deeper Relationship with God
When we seek God’s Kingdom, we draw closer to God Himself. In James 4:8, we are told to
“draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
The more we seek His Kingdom, the more we experience His presence, guidance, and love in our lives. This deepening relationship with God is one of the greatest rewards of seeking His Kingdom first.
4. Eternal Rewards
Finally, those who seek the Kingdom of God can look forward to eternal rewards. Jesus taught that we should store up treasures in heaven, where moth and rust cannot destroy (Matthew 6:20). When we live according to Kingdom values, we are investing in eternity. While the world’s rewards are temporary, the rewards of the Kingdom are everlasting.
Challenges in Seeking God’s Kingdom
Although there are many benefits to seeking God’s Kingdom, it is not without its challenges. Living a Kingdom-centered life often means swimming against the cultural current, which can be difficult. Some of the key challenges include:
1. Overcoming Worldly Temptations
The world offers many distractions that can pull us away from seeking God’s Kingdom. Materialism, ambition, and the pursuit of pleasure are all tempting, but they ultimately lead us away from God. To seek the Kingdom first requires us to resist these temptations and keep our focus on what truly matters.
2. Sacrifice and Surrender
Seeking God’s Kingdom often requires sacrifice. Jesus said that anyone who wants to follow Him must take up their cross (Matthew 16:24). This means dying to our own desires and ambitions and submitting our lives fully to Christ. It may involve giving up things we love or walking away from opportunities that don’t align with God’s will. However, the reward of knowing and serving God is far greater than any sacrifice we might make.
3. Facing Persecution
Jesus warned His followers that they would face persecution for living according to Kingdom values (John 15:18-20). When we stand up for righteousness, love our enemies, and serve selflessly, we may encounter opposition from a world that doesn’t understand or appreciate these values. Yet, Jesus also promised that those persecuted for righteousness’s sake are blessed and will inherit the Kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10).
Conclusion
Seeking God’s Kingdom first is a life-long journey that involves pursuing righteousness, seeking His will, living according to His principles, and trusting Him with our needs. It requires us to prioritize His reign in our lives above all else and to serve others selflessly. Though it comes with challenges, the rewards are far greater now and in eternity. When we seek God’s Kingdom, we find peace, provision, a deeper relationship with God, and the promise of eternal life.
In a world filled with distractions, seeking God’s Kingdom is the one pursuit that truly matters. As Jesus said in Matthew 16:26,
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?”
Seeking God’s Kingdom is the only way to live a life that truly counts, both now and for eternity.