In life, it’s so easy to focus on building our own kingdom—our careers, families, finances, and personal achievements often take up the majority of our time and attention. The world teaches us to prioritize our own success and security first. However, Jesus calls us to live with a Kingdom-first mindset, shifting our focus from our personal ambitions to advancing the Kingdom of God.
God has a divine order for our lives, and when we align ourselves with His priorities, everything else falls into place. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” This means that when we focus on God’s work and His will for our lives, He takes care of the rest. While it may feel counterintuitive at first, placing God’s Kingdom above our own desires leads to greater blessings, purpose, and fulfillment.
A Kingdom-first life isn’t about neglecting our responsibilities or dreams; instead, it’s about reordering our priorities so that God’s mission comes first. When we ask, “How can I use my life to build God’s Kingdom?” we open the door to a deeper, more meaningful life—one that’s rooted in eternal purpose, rather than temporary success.
Often, this shift in focus can feel like a sacrifice. It might mean adjusting how we spend our time, resources, or energy. It might require us to let go of certain goals that don’t align with God’s purpose for us. But this is where faith comes in. As we trust God and live for His Kingdom, we’ll discover that He’s able to do more with our surrendered lives than we could ever accomplish on our own.
Jesus modeled this perfectly for us—He gave up His throne in heaven to come to earth, live among us, and ultimately give His life for our salvation. He wasn’t focused on building His own kingdom, but on establishing the Kingdom of God. When we follow His example, we not only find true purpose, but we also unlock the flow of heaven’s blessings into our lives.
Questions to Ask Ourselves
- Is there anything in my life that is taking priority over God’s Kingdom? How can I shift my focus back to God’s mission?
- In what areas of my life—time, money, relationships—do I need to realign my priorities to reflect a Kingdom-first mindset?
- How can I use my current resources, talents, and circumstances to actively advance God’s Kingdom in my community, work, and family?
- How can I trust God to take care of my needs as I focus on seeking His Kingdom first?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a desire to realign my life with Your Kingdom. Forgive me for the times I have placed my own ambitions and desires above Your will. Help me to shift my focus from building my own life to advancing Your Kingdom here on earth. Teach me to trust You more, knowing that when I seek You first, You will take care of everything I need. Show me how I can use my time, resources, and talents to glorify You and impact others for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Supporting Verses
- Matthew 6:33 (NIV): “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
- Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV): “Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
