5 Everyday Ways to Seek God’s Kingdom First

Often, I live my life oblivious to the reality that with each decision, I’m building a kingdom. There is little that feels regal about my life. No one rolls out the red carpet when I walk into a room or salutes the work of my hands, describing it as noble. In fact, most days, I’m more aware of how little I am in control of anything. Yet, in Matthew 6:33, God invites me to participate with him in building his kingdom first. So, what exactly is Matthew calling us to, and how can we apply it to our daily lives? Here are five everyday ways to seek God’s kingdom first and why it’s worth it.

Acknowledge your King.

The Oxford Dictionary explains that a kingdom refers to either a territory ruled by a king or queen or the spiritual reign and authority of God. So, kingdom-building seems to involve an element of rule and submission. In this authoritarian relationship, one rules while the other defers.

If we are to seek the kingdom of God this year, we must begin by asking ourselves who is in control. Great anxiety results when we feel the burden to keep the world spinning, and balls juggling depends upon our performance. In Christ, we declare with our thoughts, actions, and mindset that he is the sovereign ruler. We attest and rest in the fact that God alone is King, and I am not. Then, because he is a “great God, and a great King above all gods,” we can trust his leading and surrender our allegiance to competing desires in our daily lives (Psalm 95:3 ESV).

Even when our days feel like they are spinning out of control, acknowledge your true and lasting King who promises to hold all things together (Colossians 1:17).

View money as a means.

When our primary desire is to build our own kingdom, the accumulation of riches tends to be the end goal. After all, we see the elusive control it offers us in our daily lives. If I want something, I buy it, and it shows up on my doorstep tomorrow. The more money I have, the greater autonomy I think I have, so we are tempted to pursue an abundance of money as an end goal.

Rather than viewing money as the end goal, what would this year look like if you placed it in its rightful place—a means to building the kingdom of God?

Money has an incredible ability to bless others and glorify God. When we live with open hands, using the money God has given us to provide for needs rather than the end goal, our hearts rest in God’s lasting kingdom over the temporary comforts of this world.

Treat your time as a treasure.

Money is not the only resource God has given us as a gift. Scripture counters our productivity culture of making the most of our time by exhorting us to “make the best of our time” (Ephesians 5:15).

To make the best use of our time, we need the Holy Spirit to help give us long-term, faith-filled glasses to see how our hours can serve an eternal kingdom over our fleeting earthly one. As we look at our schedule, how much time is consumed with unnecessary worry, scrolling, or shopping? Are we so focused on striving after our careers, status, and pleasures that we are neglecting the needs of those around us or even our own souls? Wisdom helps us assess where we spend our hours and evaluate the fruit of our days.

Rather than viewing our time as a master dictating our self-worth and value, allow our kingdom-minded lens to remind us that our identity is in Christ alone. So, we are invited to rest in the fact that God is always working on our behalf. Treasure your time. Number your days. And be encouraged. Remember that God exists beyond time and space and can accomplish immeasurably more than you can ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

Recognize the value of connection.

Life is busy, and relationships are messy, so connecting with those around us often falls to the bottom of our to-do list. So many things vie for our attention and distract us from the art of listening and engaging with the people in our lives. To be honest, the older I become, the less energy I possess to form new relationships. I want easier, not harder; less, not more.

Yet, I’m reminded of our greatest commandments to love God and love others. Our online culture tempts us to feel connected online without having to put into practice what it looks like to physically show up for someone with a meal or a thoughtful gesture. Yet the cost of investing, listening, and serving with others face-to-face remains a worthwhile focus.

As we seek to put the kingdom of God first in our everyday lives, acknowledge your distractions and eliminate the barriers so that you can enjoy authentic connection. Whether in church or your community, proximity matters. Remember, as you serve, love, and listen to your neighbor and those in your home, God is glorified. “For there is no greater love than this, that someone lay down his life (his preferences, distractions, and desires) for his/her friends” (John 15:13).

Create rhythms of priority.

Last but certainly not least, advancing the kingdom of heaven mandates that we live orderly lives. Sorting out what we have been given to manage in our lives and organizing it optimally is a necessary part. Everything cannot exist in the first place or receive our best energy. We need to prioritize and order our steps according to how God is leading and our specific season.

As our desire to seek God’s kingdom first increases, we are inclined and incentivized to take an honest look at what and who is receiving the most money, time, energy, and attention. Start with the most important or pressing area each day, week, and month and create rhythms of priority around that one need. This process takes constant reassessment and adjustment. What is of utmost priority this week may not be next week, but your rhythms can remain an anchor for you.

How do you start your day? I don’t mean what time you get up every morning, but what are the rhythms that lead to a successful day for you? What helps you end your day well so that it refreshes and recharges you for the next? Spending time taking inventory and establishing life-giving rhythms is a worthwhile way to seek the kingdom of God in your everyday.

Above all, may this reminder from Matthew 6:33 remain paramount. “Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met” (Matthew 6:33 MSG).