Seek First the Kingdom: Prioritizing God Above All(The Kingdom Way)

The Kingdom Way Series

“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
—Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

There is a battle being waged every day for your attention, your time, your loyalty, and your heart. The world screams, “Chase success!” “Secure the bag!” “Put yourself first!” Yet Jesus whispers something entirely different, something infinitely more valuable:

“Seek first the Kingdom.”

In a world driven by ambition, anxiety, and self-centeredness, the words of Matthew 6:33 stand as a radical call. Jesus isn’t offering a side suggestion or a nice-to-have mindset He’s commanding a complete reordering of our priorities. This verse is not just about putting God “somewhere” in your life it’s about putting Him above all else.

Let’s dig into what it means to truly prioritize God’s Kingdom and how that changes everything.

1. The Context: Anxiety and Provision

Matthew 6:33 is nestled in a conversation about worry and daily needs. Jesus is speaking to people who like many of us are concerned about what they will eat, drink, and wear (Matthew 6:25-32). He acknowledges the reality of those needs but then points to a deeper truth:

“Your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” —Matthew 6:32

And right there, He invites us to trust that God’s provision flows through proper priorities.

When we make God's Kingdom our first pursuit, we don’t have to chase blessings they come looking for us.

2. What Does It Mean to “Seek First” the Kingdom?

To seek first means to actively pursue, to make it the priority above every other pursuit. The Kingdom of God isn’t a place it’s the reign and rule of God in every area of your life. It’s when your life aligns with His will, His righteousness, and His glory.

Seeking first the Kingdom means:

• Prioritizing time with God over scrolling or stressing.

• Making decisions based not on what’s popular, but what honors God.

• Living for His agenda not just asking Him to bless yours.

• Giving Him your yes before you even know the full question.

It’s about putting God not just at the top of your to-do list, but at the center of your entire life.

3. Why It's So Hard in Today’s World

Let’s be honest our culture does not make this easy.

We’re constantly told to prioritize productivity, success, and image. We’re taught to hustle hard, build personal empires, and “manifest” our own future. But Jesus offers something far greater than the fleeting satisfaction of worldly success.

He offers Kingdom peace, Kingdom identity, and Kingdom purpose and it’s all found on the other side of surrender.

You can’t serve both the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of self. One must bow to the other.

4. God First in Your Time

How you spend your time reveals what you truly value. Is your schedule ruled by social media, your boss, or your own comfort? Or does God get your first and best?

• Start your day in prayer or the Word even just 10 minutes of focused surrender sets the tone.

• Give God space to speak before the world does.

• Prioritize worship not just on Sundays, but in everyday moments.

When you invite Him into your minutes, He’ll transform your hours.

5. God First in Your Decisions

Are your decisions based on fear or faith? Are you constantly asking, “What’s best for me?” or “What brings glory to God?”

When you seek first the Kingdom, you start asking different questions:

• “Is this aligned with God’s will?”

• “Will this help me grow closer to Christ?”

• “Is this leading others to see His light through me?”

This posture leads to divine clarity even when the path feels uncertain.

6. God First in Your Resources

Your money, talents, and possessions are not just for you. They’re Kingdom tools. The world teaches us to store, save, and self-indulge. But Jesus calls us to generous stewardship.

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” —Matthew 6:21

When God is first, giving isn’t a burden it’s a blessing. When you seek the Kingdom, tithing, serving, and blessing others becomes your joy.

7. What Happens When You Put the Kingdom First

Jesus makes a promise: “All these things will be added to you.”
He’s not promising luxury, but He is promising provision.
When you seek the King, the Kingdom, and His righteousness:

• Worry fades.

• Peace grows.

• Direction becomes clearer.

• Needs are met often in unexpected ways.

God never leaves Kingdom seekers empty-handed.

8. A Daily Choice, Not a One-Time Decision

Seeking first the Kingdom isn’t a one-time act it’s a daily surrender. It’s a posture of the heart that says:

“God, You’re not just my Savior. You’re my Lord. Your will, not mine. Your Kingdom, not my comfort.”

Some days you’ll get it wrong. But the beautiful thing is that God sees the heart that wants to prioritize Him, even when it’s hard.

Final Thoughts: Your Life Preaches What You Seek

Whether we realize it or not, our lives preach a message.

What are you seeking first?
Success? Comfort? Approval?
Or are you seeking a Kingdom that will never be shaken?

When we seek first the Kingdom, everything changes. Our perspective shifts, our priorities realign, and our lives become vessels through which heaven touches earth.

The Kingdom way is the only way that truly satisfies.