Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). This means God must come first in our hearts, our choices, our words, and our daily lives. Before we chase after success, money, approval, comfort, or our own plans, we are called to seek God’s will and God’s way.
Seeking God first does not mean we will never have needs. It means we trust God with our needs. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” When we put God first, we can come to Him boldly in prayer. We do not have to run from Him. We can run to Him for mercy, forgiveness, strength, wisdom, and help.
One way we seek God’s kingdom is through our words. Grumbling and complaining can make the atmosphere around us heavy and negative. But words of love, faith, prayer, and encouragement invite peace. Proverbs 18:21 says that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Ephesians 4:29 also teaches us to speak words that build others up and give grace to those who hear.
We must also be careful about what we allow into our hearts and minds. Jesus said, “Take heed what ye hear” (Mark 4:24, ASV). What we listen to can shape how we think, speak, pray, and live. If we keep feeding on fear, offense, anger, or negativity, those things can grow inside us. But when we feed on the Word of God, our faith becomes stronger.
Seeking God’s righteousness also means learning to show mercy. Mercy is compassion and forgiveness given when judgment could have been given. God has shown great mercy to us, so we should show mercy to others. Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). James 2:13 also reminds us that mercy triumphs over judgment.
When we seek first the kingdom of God, we stop living for selfish pride and start living for God’s purpose. We choose prayer instead of worry. We choose faith instead of fear. We choose love instead of bitterness. We choose compassion instead of harsh judgment. We choose to honor God in how we think, speak, listen, forgive, and treat people.
Prayer: Father, help me to seek Your kingdom first. Teach me to trust You with my needs. Fill my heart with mercy, grace, love, and compassion. Help me to speak words that bring life and to listen to what strengthens my faith. Let my life honor You in all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Minister A Francine Green, October 2026