Seeking the Kingdom of God: From Religion to Relationship

Part 2 of 2 by Don Bell | ⏱️12 minute read

Seeking the Kingdom of God transformed my Christian walk from duty to delight, and it can transform yours too. For years, I read two remarkable promises in Scripture without grasping their profound connection. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you," while David declares in Psalm 37:4, "Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart."

Notice the beautiful parallel? Both verses promise that when we prioritize God, whether through seeking His Kingdom or delighting in Him, He provides what we need. Yet for years, I thought I was doing all the right things while missing this vital truth: seeking and delighting are meant to be one and the same. My spiritual life felt more like a duty, not the delight it was designed to be. If you've ever felt that way, this article is for you!

What Is the "Kingdom of God," Really?

If you've ever sensed there's more to faith than religious routines, you're about to discover what changes everything. This isn't about adding more spiritual tasks to your to-do list; it's about a perspective shift that unlocks the power, peace, and purpose God has waiting for you right now, today.

Get ready to move from religious obligation to Kingdom transformation, where seeking becomes delighting, and duty becomes peace and joy.

However, before we can seek the Kingdom, we have to understand what it is. For many, the "Kingdom of God" sounds like a distant place — Heaven. But, Jesus spoke about it as a present reality here on Earth.

• Religion Says: The Kingdom is a future reward you earn by following the rules.
• Kingdom Living Says: The Kingdom of God is His active reign and rule in your life today. It's the reality of God's will being done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Here's what changed things for me when it came to seeking the Kingdom of God. Jesus made it crystal clear that the Kingdom isn't something we observe externally; it's WITHIN us (Luke 17:20–21). This truth transformed how I approach my faith.

The Kingdom is a spiritual reality we can access now through our relationship with Him. Seeking God's Kingdom, therefore, isn't about trying to get "to" a place or being political; it's about bringing that place's reality into our daily lives.

What Does "Seeking the Kingdom of God" Mean in Context?

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). To truly understand Jesus' command, we must look at the verses immediately preceding it. In Matthew 6:25-32, Jesus addresses a universal human struggle: anxiety. He speaks to the crowd about their basic survival needs (food, drink, and clothing) and observes how worry over these things can consume a person's life.

Jesus contrasts this anxiety with the natural order, pointing out that God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:26-28). He identifies worry not just as an emotional burden, but as a spiritual signal that we may be acting like "Gentiles" (unbelievers) who run frantically after material security because they don't know they have a Father who cares for them.

In this context, seeking the Kingdom is the divine antidote to anxiety. It's a call to shift your focus from the problem (lack of resources) to the provider (God). Jesus is offering a profound exchange:

If you prioritize His rule and His way of doing things, He assumes full responsibility for your earthly needs. "Seeking first" is not a mental escape from reality or a just religious duty; it's the mechanism by which we trade our worry for His peace and provision.

Matthew 6:33: Your Blueprint for Kingdom Living

Now that we understand the why to replace anxiety with "trust" we must understand the what. This verse serves as a precise blueprint for how to operate within God's economy. Let's break down the specific terms Jesus uses to see exactly what He requires of us.

1. Seek (Greek: ζητέω zēteō): In the original Greek, zēteō means to "strive after," "aim at," or "crave something from someone." It describes an active, persistent pursuit. It's an act of the will to deliberately desire something and move toward it. We are not called to passively wait for the Kingdom to appear; we are to actively pursue it with the same energy that the world uses to pursue comfort and wealth.

2. First (Greek: πρῶτον prōton): This defines our priority. It means "first in time, place, order, or importance." It's not about seeking the Kingdom "only," but seeking it "first" above all else. Before you check your bank balance, check your standing with Him. Before you plan your business strategy, align it with His principles.

3. The Kingdom of God (Greek: βασιλεία basileia): The "Kingdom" refers to God's royal power, kingship, dominion, and right to rule. This is the object of our search. To seek His Kingdom means to submit to His authority. It is the decision to live right now as if you are already under His direct reign, obeying His laws and following His King (Jesus) in every aspect of your life.

4. His Righteousness (Greek: δικαιοσύνη dikaiosynē): While the Kingdom is His rule, righteousness is His character. This word refers to "integrity," "rightness," "purity of life," and "correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting." Seeking His righteousness means aligning your character with His to do "those things that are pleasing in His sight," not just what is convenient or profitable (1 John 3:22).

5. All These Things (Greek: πᾶσα pasa): This refers back to the context: food, clothing, and shelter. This is the promise! When the first four conditions are met (actively putting God's rule and character first), ALL the physical necessities of life are "added" to you. You do not chase them; they follow you!

Frequently Asked Questions About Seeking the Kingdom

7 Practical Steps to Seeking the Kingdom of God

Whenever the Gospel of the Kingdom has been preached, people have been "pressing into it" since the time of John the Baptist (Luke 16:16). This "pressing into" isn't striving in our own strength; it's the eager, faith-filled pursuit of a child running to a loving Father.

By allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us, we proclaim the Kingdom while manifesting its present and future aspects. This is where the frustration often sets in. What does "seeking" actually look like on a typical Monday morning when you're stressed about work and finances and relationships? It's more practical than you think.

1. Change your Mindset

Your job, your family, your chores, and your entertainments are not distractions from your spiritual life, they are the very arena in which God has given you to live it out. Change your mindset from "How can I get through this day?" to "How can I bring God into this situation?" Whether you're writing an email, washing the dishes, or dining out with friends, do it with an awareness of His presence.

2. Cultivate a Kingdom Appetite

You seek what you value. To seek God's Kingdom, you must cultivate a hunger for it. Spend time in prayer, read His Word, and fellowship with other believers who are on the same path. What you feed your spirit will determine what you seek and value.

3. Seek His Presence

Start your day by dedicating the first moments to God. Before you check your phone or worry about your to-do list, simply turn your heart toward Him. This isn't about a long prayer session; it can be as simple as saying, "Good morning, Lord. I invite your Kingdom into my day." Spend time in His presence.

4. Consult the King

Seeking His reign means consulting the King. For every major (and minor) decision, practice pausing and asking:

• "God, what is your perspective on this?"
• "Is this choice aligned with your character?"
• "Which path would bring you more glory?"

5. Seek Kingdom Awareness

As we learned earlier, the Kingdom isn't something that we observe externally; it's WITHIN us (Luke 17:20–21). Go beyond praying "Thy Kingdom come": Sit quietly and ask God to reveal the Kingdom that's already present within you. Notice what shifts in your awareness. Notice any peace or sudden clarity that comes.

6. Realign Quickly When needed

Scripture tells us, "Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. REPENT, and believe in the gospel'" (Mark 1:14–15, emphasis added).

As we explored the Gospel of the Kingdom in Part 1, we discovered that the Greek word μετανοέω (metanoeō) translated as "repent" doesn't mean groveling in guilt. True repentance is about "realignment," not shame. Once you realize your thoughts or actions are out of line with the Kingdom, simply agree with God, turn back to His way, and thank Him for His grace and forgiveness. Doing this will keep your heart open to His leading.

7. Celebrate His Reign

Seeking culminates in celebration. When you recognize God's Kingdom operating in and through your life, worship becomes the natural response that deepens your connection to His reign.

"Your saints shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, and talk of Your power, to make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom" (Psalm 145:10–12).

Demonstrating the Kingdom: Taking It Beyond Yourself

Understanding what it means to seek the Kingdom is vital, but Jesus calls us to LIVE it. Now that you've explored the internal steps of Kingdom seeking, here are three practical ways you can release the Kingdom of God beyond yourself and into your everyday world.

1. Follow the Holy Spirit's Leading

The Kingdom of God is dynamic. To walk in it, we must learn to listen to the King. This isn't reserved for special times of prayer but is meant for your daily routine: at work, in the grocery store, or with your family.

• Practice Listening: Take a moment each morning to ask God, "Who do you want to bless today?" and listen for His nudge. Learn more about tuning into His voice by reading our guide on How to Hear God Clearly.
• Obey Promptly: When you feel a prompting to call someone or offer help, do it immediately. Delayed obedience often leads to missed opportunities and lost blessings for others.

2. Use Your Gifts to Serve Others

God has given you nine supernatural tools to build His Kingdom. These gifts of the Spirit are not for personal prestige; they're tools for Kingdom service. You don't need ordination or a pulpit to minister; you just need a willing heart.

• Build Yourself Up: You cannot pour living water from an empty vessel. Spend time praying in tongues daily to edify your spirit, build up faith, and sensitize yourself to God's presence.
• Step Out in Faith: If a friend is sick, offer to pray for them right then and there. If someone is discouraged, ask the Lord for a word of encouragement. As you use what you have, you will strengthen your faith.

3. Be a Kingdom Witness

Jesus said the world would know us by our love. Living in the Kingdom means bringing the atmosphere of Heaven into the atmosphere of Earth.

• Prioritize the King: Make a conscious decision to seek the Kingdom first in your decisions and finances. Let your life demonstrate that Jesus is your true source for all your needs.
• Be an Ambassador: You are called to represent the King wherever you go. Whether through a kind word, a healing prayer, or a simple act of service, your goal is to point people to the King and His Kingdom. You need the power of the baptism with the Holy Spirit to do this effectively.

Persevering When Your Kingdom Journey Feels Slow

You may be thinking, "I've tried all this, and I still feel stuck." Seeking is a process, not a one-time event. There were seasons in my own life where it felt like little or nothing was happening.

Remember, God is a relational Father; He's not transactional. The goal of seeking His Kingdom is not just to get "all these things" added to you. Father God already knows what you need. The primary reward of seeking the King is the King Himself. He is more interested in your heart's transformation than in instantly fixing your problems. Stay persistent. Your breakthrough is often on the other side of your desire to quit.

The Transforming Power of the Kingdom

Seeking the Kingdom of God transforms ordinary believers into vessels of divine purpose. This transformation opens the door to daily encounters with God, activates spiritual gifts you didn't know you had, and empowers you to partner with the Holy Spirit to see His Kingdom transform ordinary moments into divine appointments.

Live Your Kingdom Adventure

Seeking the Kingdom of God is the most rewarding adventure you will ever embark on. It is a lifetime journey of letting go of your own efforts and learning to rest in His power. It is the path to a life where you are guided by His wisdom, sustained by His peace, and provided for by His riches. Don't let it become a religious duty. Let it be your daily delight.

Remember, when seeking the Kingdom of God, you're not seeking a future Kingdom. You're discovering the Kingdom that Jesus says is already within you, waiting to be revealed through your surrendered life.

As you begin this adventure of seeking the Kingdom of God daily, remember that you are participating in something far bigger than your personal transformation. You're joining a story that began before creation and will culminate when Jesus returns to fully establish His reign on Earth.

To understand your place in this grand narrative, if you haven't already, be sure to explore Part 1: The Gospel of the Kingdom.

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About the Author

Don Bell is the creator of the Kingdom Anointing website, and a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. He shares insights from his spiritual journey to encourage ordinary believers to seek God's Kingdom and lead extraordinary lives in the Holy Spirit.

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Hi, I'm Don…

It's great to meet you! I'm not a pastor or a theologian, but a believer who discovered the power of the Holy Spirit through personal experience. My prayer is that Kingdom Anointing™ will help you, a fellow believer, build your faith, walk confidently in the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit, and realize your full potential in the Kingdom of God.