How to Seek First the Kingdom of God
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33
Introduction
The life of Hudson Taylor, an English missionary, vividly illustrates the biblical command to "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness." Despite enduring severe hardships such as persecution, illness, and financial troubles during his fifty years of service in China, Taylor's faith in God never faltered. His famous words, "The only way to have a full and happy life is to give ourselves up to the Lord, to be at His disposal, to seek His glory and honor in everything," encapsulate his commitment to seeking God’s kingdom above all else.
One of Taylor's most resonant statements, "God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supplies," further underscores his unwavering trust in God's ability to provide. Even amidst great challenges, his conviction never wavered, demonstrating his total commitment to the principles of Matthew 6:33.
Taylor's example serves as inspiration for our devotional on "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” As we unpack the profound implications of this verse, we are reminded that prioritizing God's Kingdom is accompanied by His divine provision, reinforcing our trust and dedication in the midst of life's trials.
Context for “Seeking God’s Kingdom”
In first century Palestine, Jewish life was centered around the Torah and the synagogue. The Pharisees, one of the major sects of Judaism, emphasized strict adherence to the Torah and the oral traditions. They were seen as models of piety and were highly influential in the synagogues. However, they were often criticized by Jesus, as evident in the Gospels, for their focus on external rituals and for seeking human admiration rather than the divine approval. This is the backdrop against which Matthew 6 should be read.
Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6 are part of the Sermon on the Mount, where he offers a radical reinterpretation of the Law. Jesus repeatedly contrasts the behavior of "hypocrites" with that of his followers. This likely refers to those who ostentatiously performed acts of piety to earn human admiration, which was contrary to the teachings of Jesus.
In verses 1-4, Jesus instructs his followers to give to the needy discreetly. In the first century, almsgiving was a central part of Jewish piety, but Jesus is criticizing those who turn this act into a public spectacle for their own self-aggrandizement.
In verses 5-15, Jesus presents a new model of prayer. He critiques those who pray in public for show and suggests instead that his followers should pray privately and sincerely. In this context, the Lord's Prayer can be seen as a model of this kind of prayer: brief, humble, focused on God's glory and the needs of others rather than oneself.
In verses 16-18, Jesus discusses fasting. Fasting was a common practice among Jews, especially Pharisees. Again, Jesus emphasizes the importance of sincerity over public display.
Verses 19-24 warn against the worship of wealth, which was a pertinent issue in a society where wealth often meant collaboration with the Roman oppressors.
Finally, verses 25-34 deal with anxiety and trust in God. Living under Roman rule was difficult, and people struggled with poverty and uncertainty. Jesus encourages his followers to trust God's provision instead of worrying about material needs.
Overall, Matthew 6 depicts a tension between the religious practices of the day, which often emphasized external rituals and the pursuit of social status, and Jesus' teachings, which prioritized sincere faith, humility, and the pursuit of God's kingdom. Understanding the historical context helps to highlight these themes and gives us a clearer picture of Jesus' message.
What does it mean to “Seek first the Kingdom of God?”
Jesus's audience in first-century Palestine was living under Roman occupation, a situation that brought with it political unrest, economic hardship, and social inequality. Many people would have been deeply concerned about their livelihoods and futures, much as Jesus describes in the preceding verses (Matthew 6:25-32).
However, in Jesus's view, the pursuit of worldly wealth and security was not the primary purpose of life. Instead, he emphasizes the primacy of spiritual matters, specifically seeking "the kingdom of God and his righteousness." This involves prioritizing God's rule and righteousness above all else, including the basic necessities of life. It's a call to trust in God’s provision and to align oneself with God's purposes and values.
We can understand Jesus’ command in more detail by breaking it down into specific phrases:
"But"
The conjunction "but" at the start of Matthew 6:33 denotes a contrast or pivot from what Jesus previously discussed. In the preceding verses, Jesus instructs his followers not to be anxious about their physical needs: what to eat, what to drink, and what to wear. These concerns are characteristic of those who do not know God. Jesus highlights that such worry is unnecessary for believers because God, who cares even for the birds and the flowers, will surely care for His children as well.
"Seek first the kingdom of God"
The kingdom of God refers to God's reign or sovereignty, both in a future sense (the coming new heavens and new earth where God's will is done perfectly) and in a present sense (God's rule in the hearts and lives of His people). To "seek first the kingdom of God" means to prioritize God's rule, purposes, and values in one's life. This could include submitting to God's authority, pursuing a relationship with Him, living according to His teachings, and working to advance His kingdom by sharing the Gospel and living out its implications.
"And his righteousness"
God's righteousness refers to His perfect moral standards, justice, and integrity. It can also refer to the righteousness that God imputes to those who trust in Jesus Christ for salvation (Romans 3:22). Jesus is encouraging His followers to pursue a life that aligns with God's standards, as revealed in the Scriptures. This might involve behaving justly, loving mercy, walking humbly with God (Micah 6:8), and being peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), among other things.
"And all these things will be added to you."
Here, "all these things" refers to the basic necessities of life that Jesus has been discussing: food, drink, clothing, etc. Jesus is teaching that when we prioritize seeking God's kingdom and righteousness, we can trust God to provide for our physical needs. This does not mean we will be spared hardship or poverty, but rather that God, in His wisdom and according to His purposes, will care for us. Examples of God's provision are abundant in the Scriptures. For instance, God provided manna and quail for the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16), and Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes to feed a large crowd (Matthew 14:13-21).
Matthew 6:33 is a call to a radical shift in priorities. Instead of being consumed with worry over material needs, believers are to focus on pursuing God's kingdom and righteousness, trusting that God knows their needs and will provide for them in His perfect wisdom and care.
How to Seek First the Kingdom of God?
Here are five practical ways we can seek God's kingdom and righteousness today, in a post-modern and materialistic society:
Pray and Study the Bible
One of the ways to seek God's kingdom is by spending time with Him through prayer and Bible study. This helps us align our hearts and minds with His will, deepening our relationship with Him and increasing our understanding of His kingdom.
Live out Christian Values
In a society that often values material possessions and status, we can choose to live out the values of the Kingdom of God, such as love, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and justice. This might involve standing up for the marginalized, forgiving those who have wronged us, or being generous with our time, talents, and resources.
Proclaim the Gospel
We advance God's kingdom by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. This could be through our words or our actions, demonstrating God's love to others and inviting them to experience a relationship with Jesus.
Fight against Materialism
Materialism can distract us from seeking God's kingdom. We can counter this by focusing on the eternal value of spiritual matters rather than temporary material wealth. This might involve simplifying our lives, being content with what we have, and using our resources to benefit others instead of accumulating more for ourselves.
Be Just and Love Mercy
The righteousness of God involves justice and mercy. We can seek His righteousness by advocating for the oppressed, caring for the poor and needy, promoting fairness and justice in our communities, and demonstrating mercy and compassion in our interactions with others.
Be Thankful
Cultivating a heart of gratitude is a powerful way to seek God's kingdom. By regularly expressing thankfulness to God for His blessings and grace, we not only develop a more positive outlook, but we also acknowledge His sovereignty and provision in our lives. This could be done through prayer, journaling, or even verbal affirmation throughout the day.
Foster Fellowship with Other Believers
In the New Testament, the early Christians are often described as living in close-knit communities, encouraging and supporting one another in their faith journeys (Acts 2:42-47). By fostering fellowship with other believers, we can build each other up, hold one another accountable, and work together to advance God's kingdom. This could involve joining a local church, participating in small group Bible studies, or engaging in shared service projects.
Remember, seeking God's kingdom and righteousness is not about earning God's favor or salvation. Rather, it is a response to God's grace and an expression of our love for Him. The focus is on cultivating a Christlike character and allowing God's love to influence all areas of our life.
Conclusion
In a world brimming with distractions and worries, Jesus' words in Matthew 6:33 serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of our spiritual priorities. The invitation to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" is an empowering call to reorder our lives around God's reign, aligning our desires with His, and pursuing a lifestyle marked by His righteousness.
This pursuit is not without its challenges, particularly in our postmodern and materialistic society. However, the challenge is softened by the promise that accompanies it. As we faithfully seek God's kingdom and righteousness, we are assured that our Heavenly Father, who cares even for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, will take care of our daily needs.
Questions for Reflection
In what specific areas of your life do you need to realign your priorities to truly seek first God's kingdom and righteousness? What practical steps can you take to make this shift?
Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in your life. How did that experience reinforce your trust in God's care and deepen your faith?
How can you actively embody God's righteousness in your daily interactions and relationships? Are there specific acts of kindness, forgiveness, justice, or peacemaking that you feel called to undertake?
Prayer of the Day
Heavenly Father,
I come to You today with a heart seeking to align itself with Your kingdom and Your righteousness. I acknowledge, Lord, that there are times when I allow worldly cares, ambitions, and worries to take precedence over Your will. I ask for Your forgiveness and Your guidance to correct this.
Father, I desire to place You and Your kingdom at the forefront of my life. Help me to prioritize Your purposes above my own, and to seek Your will in every decision I make. Give me a thirst for Your Word, where I can learn more about Your character and Your righteous standards.
Lord, strengthen my faith in Your promise of provision. You, who clothes the lilies of the field and feeds the birds of the air, surely will provide for my needs as well. Teach me to trust in Your timing and Your wisdom, knowing that You work all things for my good and for Your glory.
Help me to live righteously, as You are righteous. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Empower me to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You each day.
May my life be a testament to Your kingdom and Your righteousness, Father, and may all I do lead others to recognize Your majesty, Your goodness, and Your love.
In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
