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How to Seek First the Kingdom of God

By Dr Lawrence Osifo

Introduction

Beloved, the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 6 verse 33; echo through eternity:

“But seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

These words are not mere advice; they are the golden key to a fulfilled life. Many people today chase after money, fame, power, or recognition, yet end up empty. The Lord is teaching us that when we make God our priority, everything else aligns.

 

The Message

1. The Call to Prioritise

Jesus did not say, “Seek the Kingdom after your career,” or “Seek the Kingdom after you are married.” He said FIRST. This speaks of order, focus, and surrender.

Imagine a man named Osagie, who wakes up early each morning but never prays, never reads the Word, only rushing to his business. He gains wealth but loses his peace. One day, he complains:

Osagie: “Why is my heart still restless even though I have everything?”

An Elder in Church: “My son, you have pursued the things of the world, but left behind the Giver of life. Seek first His Kingdom, and you will find peace that riches cannot buy.”

The elder’s words strike his heart, and for the first time, Osagie bows his head in tears, whispering, “Lord, I want You first.”

 

2. What Does it Mean to Seek the Kingdom?

• To seek the Kingdom is to live under God’s rule and authority. It is to let His Word govern your decisions.
• It means choosing righteousness over compromise, forgiveness over bitterness, truth over lies.
• It means aligning your desires with the will of God.

In another dialogue, a young woman named Evelyn asked her pastor:

Evelyn: “Pastor, I love God, but I also love the things of the world. Sometimes I feel torn apart. How do I balance it?”

Pastor: (smiling gently) “Daughter, the Kingdom of God is not part of your life; it is the centre of your life. Everything else must revolve around it. When God is first, your studies, your work, your family, even your dreams fall into place.”

 

3. The Reward of Seeking First

When we seek the Kingdom of God, Jesus promised that “all these things”—provision, protection, peace, and purpose—will follow.

• Abraham sought God first, and the nations were blessed through him.
• Daniel sought God first, and he found wisdom in the courts of kings.
• The disciples sought God first, and though they had nothing, they turned the world upside down.

 

4. Practical Ways to Seek the Kingdom First

1. Daily Fellowship – Start each day with prayer and the Word before touching anything else.
2. Obedience – Let the Word of God be your compass, not your emotions.
3. Service – Use your gifts to serve in the house of God.
4. Evangelism – Spread the message of Christ’s love wherever you go.
5. Holiness – Live a life that reflects God’s nature, shining as a light in a dark world.

 

Illustrative Story

There was once a young man named Tunde who always worried about his future. He prayed, but his prayers were full of anxiety. One night, in a dream, he saw himself climbing a ladder, but it was leaning on the wrong wall. He was climbing fast, but the ladder led to nowhere.

Suddenly, a voice thundered: “Son, you are climbing for the wrong kingdom. Put your ladder on My Kingdom first, and your efforts will not be wasted.”

When Tunde woke up, his tears fell as he prayed: “Lord, I will seek You above all.” From that day, his life changed; peace entered his heart, and doors opened that he never imagined.

 

Conclusion

Beloved, to seek first the Kingdom of God is not a suggestion—it is the divine order of life. When God is first, you will never be last.

Let us rise today with one cry in our hearts:
“Lord, Your Kingdom first, Your righteousness first, Your will above mine. For when I have You, I have everything.”

 

Prayer

“Father, give us the grace to put You first. Teach us to seek Your Kingdom above all else. May Your righteousness be our clothing, Your Word our guide, and Your Kingdom our greatest pursuit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”