Seek the Kingdom of God First
To learn how to seek the kingdom of God first, doing so—seeking the kingdom—is not a meaningless phrase. Many people including Jesus’ disciples who spent time with Him every day didn’t understand what it meant.
Here’s a scripture of a response from Jesus when Pilate questioned Him. It represents how people routinely misunderstood (and still do) God’s kingdom.
John 18:36
My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”
Jesus’ followers and disciples who watched His crucifixion would have preferred that Jesus jump off the cross, overtake the Romans, and rule over their enemies. Later, when He appeared to people after His resurrection, people still didn’t understand the meaning of the kingdom of God.
Acts 1:6 – So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?”
People thought the coming of the kingdom involved destroying Israel’s enemies, that very moment, so that Jesus’ new reign could begin. God’s kingdom arrived when Messiah appeared as a baby and then launched His ministry to “preach the good news of the kingdom of God” (Luke 4:43).
After Jesus left the earth, there are more plans for Him to carry out for God’s kingdom to reach completion.
Seek the Kingdom of God First
The descriptions below by Jesus describe God’s Kingdom:
- Spirit of God: Matthew 12:28 – But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
- Belief in the Gospel Message: Matthew 21:31-32 – Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you. “For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him. But the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him; and you, seeing this, did not even feel remorse afterward so as to believe him.
- Born of the Spirit: John 3:3-5 – Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
- In our midst: The Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom would come. Here’s His reply in Luke 17:21. The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.” Some translations for “is among you” are within you or in you.
- In the future: The kingdom of God isn’t fully fulfilled. Jesus came the first time to die for mankind’s sins but will come again along with believers for a 1,000-year, peaceful reign. After that period, satan will be released for a while, followed by the great white throne judgment. After that, God will create a new heaven, earth, and Jerusalem. God will dwell for eternity with those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (see Revelation Chapters 20 and 21).
How Do You Seek the Kingdom of God First?
- Take guidance from this spirit-inspired scripture, Romans 14:17. For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Living a kingdom life can only be accomplished through spiritual means. In this case, seeking after and cultivating virtues connects you to the kingdom quicker.
- Don’t seek things: Instead, follow what Matthew 6:31-33 says, Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat, drink, or wear? (paraphrased)’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things, Iindeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
- See yourself righteous because God does. Whenever God looks at believers, He sees their righteousness in Christ. He sees His Son’s blood on them as members of the kingdom of heaven.
- Pursue Jesus: Train your mind and body so that Jesus is your most important priority. After a while, your mind and body will line up with your spirit so you can live a kingdom life. It won’t take long to overflow with God’s abundance. Why? Because you establish kingdom principles in your heart after you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
- Oppose the kingdom of darkness: As a child of God, your job is to share the Gospel message and cast light on darkness. It’s easy to lose sight of Christian responsibilities and allegiance to the King of kings living in a fallen world. Don’t fall for any of satan’s traps to lure you into his space. Examples include strife, spiritual distractions, betrayals, and discouragement. Learn all you can about spiritual warfare to fight spiritual battles.
Seek First the Kingdom of God: Concluding Thoughts
Remember to honor God with your body, see yourself as a citizen of heaven, and practice spiritual disciplines. Focus your faith on depending on Jesus, hearing God, and walking in the Spirit.
With every choice, you make spiritual investments in God. You can pray when cleaning the house, worship God to begin your day, or spend time reading scripture. What’s important is to reserve physical energy for spiritual activities. God’s kingdom reigns in your heart so you desire to serve Christ as a member of His kingdom.
Seeking God’s kingdom first means you made a decision to have right standing with God through salvation. You can enter the throne room boldly and receive freely! As a son or daughter of God, you inherit God’s riches. You find God’s treasures by seeking kingdom ways.