Matthew 6:33 (KJV) “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Today’s Scriptural text is cited in the context of the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 6:25–34). Jesus was addressing anxiety over daily needs – food, drink, clothing, emphasizing the need to live a God-centred life of trust as against a worry-driven life. Now, in Matthew 6:33, the Lord Jesus commands us to “seek first, the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This is a command of priority and pursuit.
Now, the “kingdom of God” speaks of God’s rule and reign – His will, purposes, and values. Therefore, seeking the kingdom of God is about seeking God’s will and purposes for our lives; it is about pursuing God’s kingdom values. Seeking the kingdom of God involves daily yielding or surrendering our spirit, soul, and body to the control or governance of the Holy Spirit. The Bible says, “the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Rom 14:17; KJV).
Seeking God’s righteousness speaks of having a right standing with God (received by faith) and right living before God (expressed through obedience and Christlike character); it is about living a life pleasing to God, having peace with God, and pursuing peace with all men (Heb. 12:14). In summary, the kingdom of God is the active reign of God in the life of a believer, producing righteousness, peace, obedience, and spiritual power, now and ultimately forever. To seek it first is to live under God’s rule, for God’s glory, and by God’s priorities.
Written by: Andrew A. Esemudje