Deeper Kingdom mindedness: The Kingdom first life

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” — Matthew 6:33.

Introduction

We live in a world chronically preoccupied with the immediate, the temporary, and the visible. The anxieties of life—what we shall eat, drink, wear, and what tomorrow may bring—continually clamour for the throne of our hearts. Undoubtedly, this is an exhausting way to live: chasing shadows while neglecting the substance.

Happily, our Master, Jesus Christ, offers a radical alternative. In the Sermon on the Mount, His foundational blueprint for Kingdom living, He gives a divine mandate capable of shifting us from anxiety to assurance and from mere survival to purposeful living: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).

To seek the Kingdom first is not a superficial religious activity. It means giving the King of kings and His interests first place in our hearts, thoughts, ambitions, relationships, resources, and decisions. It requires a profound internal shift—a deeper Kingdom mindedness in which our roots sink more deeply into Christ and our lives increasingly come under His gracious government.

Matthew 6:33 is therefore both a command and a glorious invitation for us to reorient our priorities away from anxious preoccupation with earthly necessities towards God’s rule, righteousness, and eternal purposes.

Succinctly, deeper Kingdom-mindedness is a call to a higher priority! Let us then consider what it means to live this way.

1. Shifting from Earthly Anxiety to Eternal Priority

One of the greatest enemies of Kingdom mindedness is uncontrolled worldly anxiety. Jesus observed that the Gentiles eagerly pursue material necessities, but reassured His disciples: “Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things” (Matthew 6:32). Thus, the believer does not face life as an orphan. We have a Father.

Deeper Kingdom mindedness begins when we intentionally lift our thoughts beyond merely earthly concerns towards heavenly realities. Paul instructs: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).

This does not mean neglecting earthly responsibilities. On the contrary, Kingdom mindedness should make us more faithful, diligent, compassionate, responsible, and productive. It means bringing the values of heaven to bear upon our earthly responsibilities.

Your workplace can become a platform for Kingdom influence, your resources instruments for the Gospel, your home a sanctuary of God’s presence, and your influence a channel for righteousness.

We must stop asking only, “How will this benefit me?” and begin asking, “How will this glorify God and advance the King’s purposes?”

2. Transforming the Internal Landscape

We cannot cultivate a Kingdom-first life with an unchanged, worldly mind. The spirit of this age constantly pressures people towards self-centeredness, materialism, comparison, pride, and short-term gratification.

Scripture therefore instructs: “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

A person may accumulate theological knowledge and remain largely self-centered. Genuine spiritual maturity, however, increasingly produces humility, obedience, holiness, love, and conformity to Christ.

Renewal occurs as we continually expose our minds to God’s Word and allow Him to examine our ambitions, attitudes, values, relationships, and private thoughts. David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart… and see if there be any wicked way in me” (Psalm 139:23–24).

As our minds are renewed, we increasingly love what pleases the King and reject what dishonours Him. Righteousness becomes more desirable than compromise, and obedience more precious than convenience (Romans 14:17).

3. Living for the Audience of One

Deeper Kingdom mindedness means living with an awareness of God’s presence, pleasure, and ultimate evaluation. It moves us beyond dependence upon human applause towards living primarily for the approval of the King (Galatians 1:10). 

This raises an important question: Are we building personal empires, or are we building for God’s Kingdom? Jesus warned against storing treasures exclusively upon earth and instructed us to lay up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21). 

A Kingdom-minded believer understands that achievements pursued merely for self-glorification will eventually fade, while that which is faithfully done for Christ carries eternal significance.

This perspective delivers us from the tyranny of people-pleasing and gives even ordinary responsibilities extraordinary meaning. We become citizens of heaven functioning faithfully on earth (Philippians 3:20).

4. Living as Citizens of God’s Kingdom

The Kingdom-first life begins with our identity in Christ. God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13).

Salvation is more than deliverance from sin; it brings us under the gracious rule of God. Our ultimate identity, therefore, is not determined merely by nationality, profession, possessions, titles, or achievements. We are first children of God, citizens of God’s Kingdom and “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

An ambassador resides in one country while representing another. Likewise, believers live in this present world while representing the values, character, and interests of heaven.

We must therefore continually ask: Does my life accurately represent my King? Do my words represent Him? Do my business practices honour Him? Do my relationships reflect His character? Does my handling of money reveal His lordship?

Kingdom citizenship must eventually become visible in Kingdom character.

5. Making the King’s Business Our Business

Kingdom mindedness cannot remain contemplative; it must become practical. Jesus declared, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day” (John 9:4).

A Kingdom-first believer develops a growing passion for what matters to God: the salvation of souls, discipleship, righteousness, obedience, compassion, justice, humility, generosity, reconciliation, service, and the fulfilment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20).

Not everyone is called to preach from a pulpit, but every believer has a Kingdom assignment to make the world better by the power of the gospel.

Whatever God has placed in your hands—time, knowledge, wealth, professional expertise, influence, spiritual gifts, relationships, and opportunities—has Kingdom potential.

The question is no longer merely, “What can I achieve?” but, “What can God accomplish through me?” David understood this stewardship mentality when he declared, “All things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee” (1 Chronicles 29:14).

Nothing genuinely surrendered to the King is wasted.

Conclusion

Jesus anchors His command with a glorious promise: “…and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). The tragedy is that we can become consumed with pursuing the “added things” while neglecting the King who adds them. 

God’s order is different: the Kingdom first; the additions afterwards. This means that we can confidently entrust our needs and future to our heavenly Father while making His Kingdom our highest priority. In other words, our fountains of “overflowing blessings” are secured as we consciously pursue God, His kingdom and His righteousness.

Beloved, let this become a season of spiritual realignment. Step beyond the shallow waters of casual, self-centered Christianity. Lift your eyes above the immediate horizon of personal needs and behold again the majesty of the King and the greatness of His eternal purpose.

As you cultivate a Kingdom-first life, may you experience the peace of God that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6–7), stability in seasons of shaking (Hebrews 12:27–28), and the joy of seeing His will accomplished in and through your life.

Let our prayer continually be: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Seek the King. Seek His Kingdom. Seek His righteousness. Seek them first—and trust Him for the additions.

May the King find our hearts wholly devoted to His pleasure, His purposes, and His cause. You will not miss it, in Jesus’ mighty Name. Amen. Happy Sunday!