What is what does it mean to seek first the kingdom of god?
Seeking first the kingdom of God, as taught by Jesus in Matthew 6:33, means prioritizing God's will and His reign in every aspect of our lives above all else. It's about making God the central focus and aligning our thoughts, desires, and actions with His purposes.
Here's a breakdown of what it entails:
- Prioritizing God's Will: It means actively seeking to understand God's will through prayer, scripture study, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and then choosing to obey that will even when it's difficult or goes against our own desires.
- Living Righteously: The kingdom of God is a realm of righteousness, peace, and joy. Seeking it means striving to live a life that is pleasing to God, marked by integrity, honesty, and love for others.
- Trusting in God's Provision: Jesus promises that when we seek first His kingdom, He will provide for our needs. This doesn't mean we won't face challenges, but it means we can trust that God will sustain us and meet our needs as we focus on Him.
- Sharing the Gospel: Part of seeking the kingdom of God is actively participating in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ and His kingdom to others.
- Eternal Perspective: Shifting focus from temporary earthly pursuits to eternal heavenly rewards.
- Service to others: Demonstrating God's love through acts of kindness, compassion, and justice, reflecting the values of the kingdom of God.