Seek First His Kingdom

Seeking First the Kingdom: How to Prioritize God in a Busy World

In a world full of endless to-do lists, tight schedules, and constant distractions, prioritizing our faith can often feel like just another item on an already crowded checklist. We’re pulled in many directions, from career goals and family responsibilities to personal ambitions and social commitments. Yet, amid this busyness, Jesus calls us to a different way of life, one focused not on the demands of this world but on the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” This verse is both an invitation and a challenge to live a life where God comes first, no matter how busy we may be.

Let’s explore what it truly means to seek God’s Kingdom first and how we can make faith a priority, even in a fast-paced world.

What Does It Mean to Seek First the Kingdom?

When Jesus speaks of the “Kingdom of God,” He’s referring to the realm where God reigns supreme, where His will and purposes are fulfilled. To seek His Kingdom first means to place God at the very center of our lives and allow His principles, love, and guidance to shape everything we do. It’s a call to align our hearts and priorities with God’s values rather than the world’s.

But this isn’t just about adding more “church activities” to our schedule or doing more religious acts. Seeking God’s Kingdom is a matter of the heart—it’s about letting God’s presence and purpose permeate every area of our lives, from our decisions and relationships to our work and ambitions. It’s an intentional shift from living for self to living for God, trusting that He will provide for our needs as we walk in His ways.

Understanding the Challenge: Why It’s Hard to Prioritize God

Let’s be honest—seeking God first isn’t easy. Here are a few reasons why we often struggle:

- The Noise of the World: Modern life is filled with distractions. Social media, news updates, and constant notifications pull our attention away from what matters most. These distractions make it easy to forget our spiritual goals in favor of short-term, worldly interests.

- The Pressure of Responsibilities: Many of us juggle multiple roles—employee, parent, spouse, friend. Each role brings its own demands, and the weight of these responsibilities can often push spiritual priorities to the back burner.

- Instant Gratification: Our culture values quick results, instant solutions, and immediate satisfaction. Faith, however, is a lifelong journey, often requiring patience, surrender, and trust. It’s tempting to prioritize things that bring quick returns over practices like prayer, study, and service, which yield spiritual benefits over time.

- Misunderstanding of “Seeking First”: Sometimes, we equate “seeking first” with doing more, as if God’s approval is based on how busy we are with religious activities. But seeking God first is not about quantity; it’s about the quality of our relationship with Him. It’s about inviting Him into every aspect of life rather than compartmentalizing faith to a few hours each week.

Practical Steps for Putting God First in Your Daily Life

Here are some actionable ways to help you prioritize God and make space for spiritual growth, even in a busy world.

Start Each Day with God

How you start your day often sets the tone for the rest of it. Instead of diving straight into emails or scrolling through your phone, consider dedicating the first few moments of your day to God. You don’t need a long, elaborate ritual—a few minutes in prayer, reading a verse, or simply sitting in silence, inviting God into your day, can make a significant difference. By beginning your day with God, you establish a habit of putting Him first, even before the demands of the day.

Integrate Faith into Daily Routines

Seeking God’s Kingdom first doesn’t mean we have to withdraw from our daily lives. Rather, we can invite God into everything we do. Whether it’s your commute to work, a lunch break, or quiet moments during the day, use these as opportunities for prayer, gratitude, or reflection. Practicing mindfulness in daily routines reminds us that God is with us in every moment, not just in designated “spiritual” times.

Let Go of Perfectionism

Many of us feel the need to do everything “perfectly”—to meet all expectations, be present for everyone, and complete all tasks flawlessly. But perfectionism can lead to burnout and cause us to prioritize tasks over relationships, including our relationship with God. Remember that God doesn’t expect us to do everything; He wants us to rest in Him. Letting go of perfectionism means trusting God with your life and remembering that your worth is found in Him, not in how much you accomplish.

Schedule Regular Quiet Time

If we’re not intentional about creating space for God, it’s easy for Him to get crowded out. Schedule regular “quiet time” during the week where you can read Scripture, pray, or simply be still in God’s presence. It may be early in the morning, during a lunch break, or in the evening before bed—find what works for you and commit to it. Consistent quiet time helps us re-center on God and remember His role in our lives.

Practice Sabbath Rest

Sabbath rest is a gift from God and a reminder that we’re not defined by productivity. Setting aside one day each week for rest and worship can help us break free from the endless cycle of work and responsibilities. It’s a day to refocus on God, enjoy His creation, and spend time with loved ones. Practicing Sabbath rest teaches us that God’s Kingdom isn’t about constant activity but about learning to abide in Him.

Reframe Work as Worship

For many of us, work is a major part of our daily lives. Rather than seeing work as separate from faith, try to view it as an opportunity to serve and glorify God. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” When we see our work as a way to honor God, it transforms our attitude and enables us to live out our faith in every task we undertake.

Trusting God with the Outcome

One of the beautiful promises in Matthew 6:33 is that when we seek God’s Kingdom first, “all these things will be added to you.” This doesn’t mean that God will give us everything we want, but that He will provide what we truly need. By placing God first, we can let go of anxiety about our future, knowing that He will care for us.

Trusting God with the outcome allows us to approach life with a sense of peace and purpose. We don’t have to constantly chase after more because we know that God is in control. As we put God at the center, we discover that life’s true fulfillment comes not from what we accomplish but from who we are in Christ.

Embracing a Life of Purpose and Peace

Prioritizing God in a busy world may feel countercultural, but it leads to a life marked by purpose, peace, and joy. When God is our foundation, everything else falls into place. We become less anxious about the future, more content with what we have, and more focused on what truly matters.

Seeking first the Kingdom of God isn’t a one-time decision but a daily choice. It’s about continually aligning our hearts, minds, and actions with God’s will and trusting Him to lead us. As we put this into practice, we’ll find that no matter how busy life becomes, there is always room for God’s peace and guidance.