The Bible tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and all its righteousness and all things will be added unto us. How do we seek it and how can it help in our daily lives?
You are referencing Matthew 6:33 which says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” In the previous verses, the Lord was teaching how that worry and stress do us no good. He said in verses 31-32, “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” Even earlier in this chapter, the Lord asked, “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” (Matthew 6:27). While the Lord wants us to work to provide for ourselves and our families, He points out the danger of worrying. The Gentiles (here being anonymous with sinners) worry about things such as food, drink, and apparel.” How comforting to know that “your Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” We are assured in Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” It is not right that we save and save and save, trying to provide for our future earthly needs, yet neglect to allow the Lord to have access to all our funds to be used as He sees fit.
So, rather than be consumed with the cares of this life, the Lord directs us to “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness.” In other words, if we will put the Lord’s interests first in our lives, He has promised that “all these things (material things) shall be added unto you.” We find a similar thought in Colossians 3:1-2, “If ye then be risen with Christ, SEEK THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE ABOVE, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. SET YOUR AFFECTION ON THINGS ABOVE, not on things on the earth.” The Lord Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” If our treasure is found in earthly goods and pleasures, our heart is soon to follow. When that happens, we limit ourselves greatly. Instead of providing for eternity, we limit ourselves to providing for a lifetime on earth.
If we are seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness, then we will certainly understand and appreciate Ephesians 4:28, which says, “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, THAT HE MAY HAVE TO GIVE TO HIM THAT NEEDETH.” When we have opportunity to get ahead and start saving money, we should not try to stockpile riches while those around us are sick, hungry, homeless, or lacking in some other matter. We need to be open to the Lord’s leading to use that money according to His will.
The more we fix our eyes and hearts upon the Lord, the less allure the world will have for us! (288.4)