Matthew 6:33 Explained

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

Matthew 6:33 is a powerful and often quoted verse in the Bible. It speaks to the importance of seeking God above all else, and emphasizes the promise that God will provide for our needs.

The verse begins with the phrase “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” This phrase emphasizes the importance of priorities in the life of a Christian. We are called to prioritize our relationship with God above all else, and to seek his kingdom and righteousness as our first and primary focus.

Seeking the kingdom of God means desiring to see his rule and reign established in our lives and in the world around us. It means seeking to live our lives in accordance with his will and his ways, and seeking to bring others into a relationship with him.

Seeking his righteousness means striving to live a life of holiness and obedience to God’s commands. It means seeking to become more like Christ, and to live a life that is pleasing to God.

The verse goes on to say that if we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, “all these things shall be added unto you.” This phrase emphasizes the promise that God will provide for our needs. The context of this verse is Jesus’ teaching on worry and anxiety. He tells his listeners not to worry about their basic needs such as food, drink, and clothing, because God knows what we need and will provide for us.

However, Jesus is not saying that we should seek God only for what he can provide for us. He is calling us to seek God first and foremost, and to trust that he will provide for our needs as we seek him. This promise of provision is not a guarantee of material wealth or abundance, but rather a promise of God’s faithfulness to provide for us in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in.

It is important to note that seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness is not a one-time event, but a daily process. It is something that we must continually prioritize and strive towards in our lives. We must continually seek to grow in our relationship with God, and to become more like him in our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

In addition, seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness often means making sacrifices and prioritizing our time and resources in a way that honors God. It may mean saying no to certain opportunities or activities that do not align with God’s will for our lives. It may mean choosing to serve others instead of pursuing our own desires and ambitions.

Ultimately, seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness is the key to living a fulfilling and purposeful life. When we prioritize our relationship with God, everything else falls into place. We can trust that he will provide for our needs, guide us in our decisions, and give us the strength and wisdom to face whatever challenges come our way.

In conclusion, Matthew 6:33 is a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking God above all else. It calls us to prioritize our relationship with him, and to seek his kingdom and righteousness as our first and primary focus. As we do this, we can trust that God will provide for our needs and guide us in all things. May we all strive to seek God first in our lives, and to trust in his faithful provision and guidance.