Seek First The Kingdom of God: What It Really Means and How to Do It

When Jesus told us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” He wasn’t just throwing out a nice thought; He was laying down a challenge for us to live differently. But with all the hustle, daily demands, and life coming at us fast, what does it really mean to seek His kingdom first? And how do we make this real in our lives as women today? Let’s break it down, get into the Word, and find some practical ways to put God at the center of our lives, no matter what’s going on around us.

What Exactly Is the Kingdom of God?

Let’s start here. The kingdom of God is more than just a place—it’s where God’s rule and His ways are happening. It’s where what He wants is done, both here on earth and in heaven. So when Jesus says to “seek first the kingdom,” He’s calling us to live in a way that puts His desires over ours. It means we’re choosing to make Him our priority, and that’s big. Matthew 6:33 spells it out:

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

When we set our hearts and minds on God, He promises to handle the rest. He’s got us, but we’ve got to choose Him first.

Seeking the Kingdom vs. Chasing the World

Let’s be real—it’s easy to get caught up in chasing what the world says we need to be happy. A certain image, job, car, lifestyle... all that. But God’s way is different. When Jesus tells us to seek His kingdom first, He’s inviting us to take our eyes off what’s temporary and fix them on what’s eternal. Look at 1 John 2:15-17 for a reality check:

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

The things the world pushes can feel urgent, but they’re not what lasts. God’s saying, “Trust me, focus on me, and watch how I take care of you.”

How to Seek the Kingdom of God First: Real Steps for Real Life

So how do we put this into action? How do we live in a way that says God’s kingdom is our priority? Seeking the kingdom of God first sounds amazing in theory, but how do we make it real in our everyday lives? Let’s dive deeper into practical steps, with examples that show what it actually looks like to prioritize God’s kingdom. These aren’t just big ideas; these are steps you can start taking today.

Build a Strong Relationship with God Through Prayer and Scripture

The foundation of seeking God’s kingdom starts with building that one-on-one relationship with Him. Think of it as the heart-to-heart connection that sets everything else in motion. The more we talk to God and dig into His Word, the clearer our path to His kingdom becomes.

Example: Imagine a young woman with a packed schedule—school, work, and family obligations. She sets her alarm 30 minutes earlier to start each day with a Psalm and prayer. This doesn’t have to be complicated or formal; sometimes, it’s just talking to God honestly about what’s on her heart. She takes those moments to read a few verses, meditate on what they mean, and ask God to guide her throughout the day. That quiet time gives her peace, direction, and a sense of grounding that stays with her even when life gets chaotic.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

When we make time for Him, He’s faithful to show up and give us what we need. Those moments of connection help us remember that we’re not walking alone.

Choose to Serve Others Over Self-Interest

The kingdom of God is about love and service, not just what we can get for ourselves. Jesus Himself came to serve, not to be served, so if we’re following Him, that’s our example. Look at Matthew 20:26-28, where Jesus says:

"...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Example: Think about a woman with a busy career and family. She could easily spend her Saturdays relaxing, but instead, she signs up to volunteer at a local food bank. Or maybe she makes time to help a friend who’s struggling, even when she’s exhausted. These small sacrifices are how we live out the kingdom in our communities. Service doesn’t always look big or glamorous; sometimes, it’s the little things that show others God’s love.

Seek out ways to serve people around you, whether that’s a friend who needs a listening ear, a neighbor who could use a helping hand, or even just encouraging someone who’s having a tough day. When we put others first, we’re honoring God’s kingdom.

Align Your Life with Kingdom Values, Not Worldly Standards

When we seek the kingdom, we choose to live by God’s values instead of the world’s. The world pushes us to prioritize fame, success, or money, but the kingdom values humility, integrity, and love. This step is about letting God shape our lives, goals, and actions according to His ways.

Example: A young woman is working in a fast-paced corporate environment where everyone’s vying for promotions and raises. While others may cut corners or step over others, she chooses to work with honesty and integrity, refusing to compromise her values. She asks herself, “Does this line up with what God wants?” Aligning her actions with kingdom values might not make her the most popular person at work, but it honors God and keeps her true to her faith.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)

When we live by God’s values, we show the world what His kingdom is really about, even if it means going against the flow.

Trust God with Your Needs and Desires Instead of Worrying

A major part of seeking God’s kingdom is trusting Him with our needs and desires. Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow,” because He knows we can get caught up stressing about things we can’t control. When we hand over our worries, we open the door for God to show us His provision.

Example: Picture a single mom who’s constantly worried about how she’ll pay the bills. Instead of staying up all night stressed, she turns her worries into prayers. She writes down her concerns and gives them to God, trusting that He’ll make a way. Over time, she experiences God’s provision in ways she couldn’t have imagined—unexpected job opportunities, help from friends, and little blessings that remind her she’s not alone.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

When we give God our worries, we make room for His peace to fill us up, which is one of the most powerful ways to reflect His kingdom.

Surrender Your Plans and Let God Lead the Way

Seeking the kingdom means giving up our tight grip on how we think life should go and allowing God to take the lead. It’s about trusting His timing, even when it doesn’t match ours.

Example: Imagine a woman who thought she’d be married with kids by 30, but life took a different path. Instead of forcing things to happen, she surrenders her plans to God and trusts His timing. She’s open to His leading, even if it’s not what she expected. She prays for guidance and allows God to direct her steps, knowing that He’s crafting a story that’s better than she could imagine.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Surrendering isn’t giving up—it’s giving God the space to work in ways that are beyond our control, and that’s where His miracles happen.

Keep an Eternal Perspective

This life is temporary, but God’s kingdom is forever. When we seek the kingdom first, we keep our focus on what really matters, no matter what life throws at us.

Example: Let’s say a woman faces a major setback—maybe she loses her job or goes through a breakup. Instead of letting it destroy her, she remembers that her hope isn’t in this world. She’s focused on the eternal, trusting that God’s got a greater purpose. She holds onto His promises and finds strength in knowing that her joy doesn’t come from what’s happening around her but from her relationship with God.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)

Keeping an eternal perspective helps us find peace, even in the hard moments, because we know our true home is with God.

Be Ready to Share the Kingdom with Others

Seeking the kingdom first also means sharing it. Our lives should make others curious about God’s goodness, giving us opportunities to share our faith. Living kingdom-centered means being a light to those around us.

Example: Imagine a woman who regularly invites her friends to church or openly shares what God is doing in her life. She’s not pushy, but she’s intentional about sharing her testimony. Maybe she encourages her coworkers with kind words or prays for her friends when they’re struggling. Her faith becomes a beacon, and people see something different in her—a peace, strength, and joy that they can’t find in the world.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)

Living with a kingdom-first mindset means being a light, even when the world around us seems dark.

Real Talk: Living It Out

Here’s the beauty: When we seek God’s kingdom first, we end up finding true joy, purpose, and fulfillment. When we put God first, He blesses us with peace and security that nothing in the world can match. Psalm 37:4 says:

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

This doesn’t mean God gives us everything we want, but that He shapes our desires to align with His. We start to crave what He wants for us—things that last, that lift others, and that honor Him. That’s real fulfillment.

Living a life that seeks God’s kingdom isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Keep showing up, building that relationship with Him, serving others, trusting Him with your needs, and surrendering your plans. Let Him shape your heart to desire His will above all else.

The more we seek Him, the more we find Him, and in Him, we find the life we were made for. So, let’s keep running after His kingdom with everything we’ve got—He’s got us.

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