Seek my kingdom first

Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin.
Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these.

If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace,
will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

Understanding the Context of Jesus’ Words

When Jesus spoke these words, He was addressing people who lived hand-to-mouth. Most laborers earned wages daily
and used them immediately for food or shelter. Clothing was not easily replaced, and owning more than one outfit was rare.

For many, choosing to listen to Jesus meant sacrificing a day’s work—and therefore a day’s provision.
That simple choice revealed their deep hunger for spiritual truth, even at the cost of physical comfort.

This cultural context also enhances the significance of miracles like Jesus feeding the multitudes.
It wasn’t just supernatural—it was God’s direct provision for those who had chosen to follow Him.

Why Jesus Said “Do Not Worry”

Jesus wasn’t dismissing the reality of human needs. He was inviting His followers into something deeper:
dependence on God. It was a radical message then—and still is today.

By pointing to birds and wildflowers, Jesus illustrated that we are not in control—and that’s okay.
God provides for even the smallest parts of His creation. How much more will He care for those made in His image?

In our modern culture of stress, performance, and control, this message remains powerful:
Faith in God frees us from anxiety.

What It Means to Seek First the Kingdom of God

To “seek first the kingdom of God” is to make God the center of your life. It means aligning your priorities,
desires, and daily choices with His will and righteousness.

This isn’t about trying to earn God’s favor. It’s about shifting from fear to faith,
and from self-reliance to trust. When we put God’s kingdom first, we are promised that
“all these things will be added unto you.”

Pursuing righteousness is not a transaction—it’s a relationship. It’s about knowing and loving God more deeply,
trusting Him to provide for our needs in His perfect way and time.

Living with an Eternal Perspective

As citizens of God’s kingdom, we are invited to live with eternal perspective. That means choosing faith over fear,
trust over anxiety, and gratitude over worry.

If we truly believe God will care for us for all eternity, then we can begin living in that peace today.
Letting go of worry isn’t weakness—it’s humility. It’s a daily declaration that our lives and needs are in the hands
of a faithful and loving Father.

All these things will be added unto you.